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Click the 'New Game' button (refresh icon) in the control bar. This will reset the board or deal a fresh hand depending on the game.

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Free Classic Games Suite

Rules of Hearts

Goal: End the game with the fewest points when any player reaches or exceeds 100. The player with the lowest total score at that moment wins.

Scoring

Hearts: Each Heart card is worth 1 point.
Queen of Spades: “The Black Lady” is worth 13 points, making it the most dangerous card in the game.
Shooting the Moon: If a player takes all 13 Hearts and the Queen of Spades in one round, they “shoot the moon.” Instead of earning 26 points, they score 0, and each other player gets 26 points. This move carries high risk but offers high reward.

Gameplay

Passing Cards: At the start of each round, every player picks 3 cards to pass to another player. The direction of the pass changes each round: Left, Right, Across, and then No Pass. Deciding what to give away and what to keep is key for your long-term strategy.
Leading: The player with the 2 of Clubs leads the first trick.
Following Suit: You must play a card of the same suit as the first card in the trick if you can. If not, you can play a card from another suit. This is when Hearts and the Queen of Spades often come into play.
Breaking Hearts: You can’t lead with a Heart until one has been played in a previous trick, unless all the cards in your hand are Hearts. Once Hearts are “broken,” they can be led freely.

Winning Strategies

Void a Suit EarlyTry to get rid of all cards of a specific suit (like Clubs or Diamonds) as soon as you can. This lets you discard Hearts or the Queen of Spades on later tricks led in that suit, avoiding unwanted points.

Pass with PurposeWhen passing cards, consider not only your own needs but also your opponent’s. Giving away high cards like the Ace or King of Spades can help protect you from later taking the Queen.

Track the QueenAlways know whether the Queen of Spades is still in play. Avoid leading high Spades until you’re sure she’s not in play.

Bait and BluffSkilled players use middle cards (like the 9 or 10 of a suit) to draw out higher cards, forcing others to take unwanted tricks.

If You Hold the QueenTry to “duck” her by playing her strategically when another player is likely to win the trick, passing the 13 points to someone else.

Origins

Hearts has its roots in Reversis, a 17th-century European card game focused on avoiding certain cards. The modern version of Hearts emerged in the 1880s and quickly became a favorite in parlors. It gained global recognition in the 1990s when Microsoft included it with Windows to showcase local network play, transforming a social game into a digital classic enjoyed by millions.

Brain Benefits

Risk Assessment

Hearts continually tests your ability to weigh potential outcomes. Should you take a risk on a trick or play it safe? Over time, players sharpen their judgment and decision-making skills.

Memory and Focus

Keeping track of played suits, remaining high cards, and which players might lack certain suits helps develop short-term memory and strategic concentration.

Emotional Control

Since Hearts rewards restraint rather than aggression, it enhances emotional regulation and patience under pressure—valuable skills beyond the game.

Hearts FAQ

Can I play points on the first trick?

No. You cannot play Hearts or the Queen of Spades on the very first trick of a round, even if you have no other option.

What happens if I hit 100 points?

As soon as any player reaches or exceeds 100 points, the game ends. The player with the lowest score at that moment is declared the winner.

Can I shoot the moon multiple times?

Yes. If you can manage to shoot the moon more than once in a game, your opponents will likely play more defensively—but that adds to the fun.

How many players can play Hearts?

Hearts is traditionally played with four players, but there are variations for three or more. With four players, the balance of risk and opportunity is at its best.

Game Settings