Game guide · YDWEIXIU
Know the goal in Hearts
Check the rule below as you play. Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. Four players each receive thirteen cards. Pass three cards left, right, across, then hold on successive hands. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Four-player free Hearts against three local computers, to 100 points. This table breaks hearts only with a heart, not with Q♠. No cash play or internet matchmaking.
Something to practise
Take a moment to check the current turn. On the first trick, do not discard a heart or Q♠ unless no non-penalty card is available. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The objective of a round
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Start here and follow along
- Four players each receive thirteen cards. Pass three cards left, right, across, then hold on successive hands.
- The player holding 2♣ leads the first trick. Follow suit whenever possible.
- On the first trick, do not discard a heart or Q♠ unless no non-penalty card is available.
- Hearts may lead only after a heart has been played, unless your whole hand consists of hearts.
- The highest card of the led suit wins the trick. Each heart adds one penalty point and Q♠ adds thirteen.
- Taking all 26 penalty points in one hand shoots the moon: your score gains zero and each opponent gains 26.
- After all thirteen tricks, choose Next hand. The match ends once anyone reaches 100; the lowest total wins.
Input guidance
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Select three cards and press Pass selected cards during passing. During play, tap a legal card. Next hand continues the match; New match resets totals. The game area remains available above the explanation.
See how the rules apply
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. A trick containing 2♥, 8♥, Q♠ and 5♣ carries fifteen penalty points: two hearts plus the queen of spades. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A common point of confusion
Read the position before choosing your next action. Having a high card in another suit does not win a trick. Only the highest rank in the suit that was led can win it. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A few questions answered
When I start, what is the aim of Hearts?
Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Select three cards and press Pass selected cards during passing. During play, tap a legal card. Next hand continues the match; New match resets totals. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, can you show an example?
A trick containing 2♥, 8♥, Q♠ and 5♣ carries fifteen penalty points: two hearts plus the queen of spades. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, which mistake should I avoid?
Having a high card in another suit does not win a trick. Only the highest rank in the suit that was led can win it. No download or player account is required.
What rules and limits are used here?
Four-player free Hearts against three local computers, to 100 points. This table breaks hearts only with a heart, not with Q♠. No cash play or internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
How many people can play here?
You vs 3 computers. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, how does passing work?
Select three cards. The direction cycles left, right, across and no pass, repeating each four hands. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, does Q♠ break hearts?
Not at this table. A heart must have been played before hearts can lead, unless the leader holds only hearts. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, what is shooting the moon?
Collect all thirteen hearts and Q♠ in the same hand; each opponent receives 26 points while you receive zero. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, how does the match end?
After a completed hand takes anyone to at least 100 total points. The lowest score wins; equal lowest scores share the result. A new round resets the current game.