Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Hearts is one of the most popular trick-taking games in the world. Originating in 17th-century Spain and later becoming a staple in the United States, it remains a favorite among players who enjoy strategy, memory, and careful risk management. Unlike many trick-taking games that reward winning tricks, Hearts flips the objective, players try to avoid certain cards and finish with the lowest score possible. With simple rules but deep strategy, it works well for casual players and serious card enthusiasts alike.

Hearts is played using a standard 52-card deck and is best with four players, though variations exist for three to seven participants.

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How to Play Hearts

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Objective of Hearts

The goal of Hearts is to have the lowest score at the end of the game.

Points are penalty-based:

• Each of the hearts cards is worth 1 point
• The queen of spades is worth 13 points

Play continues through multiple rounds. At the end of each hand, players total their penalty points. When someone reaches a target score (commonly 100), the end of the game is triggered, and the player with the lowest score wins.

More of a visual learner? Watch the video tutorial at the bottom of the page!

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Setup

• Players: 3–7 (best with 4)
• Deck: Standard 52-card deck
• Type: Trick-taking card game

The dealer shuffles the entire deck, another player cuts it, and all cards are dealt clockwise.

With four players, each receives 13 cards. For other player counts, certain cards may be removed to ensure even dealing.

Note: with three players, take out the 2 of diamonds and then deal all the cards.

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Passing Rules in Hearts

In Hearts, each hand typically begins with a passing phase before the first trick is played.

• Every player selects three cards from their hand and passes them face down to another player.
• The direction of the pass rotates each hand:
  1. Pass left
  2. Pass right
  3. Pass across
  4. Keep (no passing)
• After the fourth hand, the rotation repeats.

You must pass exactly three cards when passing is required, and you cannot look at the cards you receive until all players have passed.

Passing Strategy: It is usually smart to pass the Queen of Spades unless you can easily short suit yourself in spades. Creating a void gives you control and you can safely discard the Queen when that suit is led instead of risking being trapped with it. Players also use the pass to unload high hearts or to create voids that make it easier to avoid points later in the hand.

Note: A “void” just means when you have no cards of a particular suit.

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Starting the First Trick

The player holding the 2 of Clubs leads the first trick. If that card has been removed for a variation, the next lowest Club begins.

Rules for the first trick:

• Players must follow suit if possible.
• If unable to follow suit, they may discard another card.
• Hearts cards and the queen of spades cannot be played on the first trick.

The highest card of the suit led wins the trick.

The winner of each trick becomes the first player to lead the next one.

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General Trick Playing Rules

• Players must follow suit whenever possible.
• If they don’t have the suit, they may discard any card.
• The highest card of the suit wins the trick.
• There is no trump suit at any time.

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Breaking Hearts

Players may not lead hearts cards until a heart has been discarded during a previous trick. This is known as “breaking” hearts.

• Once broken, hearts may be led normally.
• The queen of spades does not require hearts to be broken and may be played whenever a player cannot follow suit (except on the first trick).

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Scoring

At the end of each hand, players count penalty cards taken in tricks:

• Each heart = 1 point
• Queen of spades = 13 points

All other cards, including ace, diamonds, clubs, and spades (other than the queen), are worth zero.

Players add their points to a cumulative total. The game continues until one player reaches the agreed limit (often 100 points). At that point, the player with the lowest points wins.

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Shooting the Moon

Shooting the moon is when a player captures every heart plus the queen of spades in a single round. It’s very risky because even a single heart captured by an opponent will ruin the attempt!

If successful:

• The shooter scores 0 points
• All opponents receive 26 points

In some variations, the shooter may subtract 26 points from their own score instead.

Attempting to shoot the moon requires careful control of high cards like the ace and strong management across multiple suits. Here’s the best strategy to successfully attempt it:

1. Recognize the Right Opportunity

Do not attempt to shoot the moon every time you have several hearts. The best opportunities usually include:

• High hearts (especially A, K, Q, J)
• Control cards in other suits (Aces and Kings)
• The Queen of Spades or strong spade control (A or K of spades)
• Shortage in one suit (so you can start discarding hearts early)

If you lack control in multiple suits, another player may take a trick unexpectedly and ruin your attempt.

2. Pass Strategically

Before play begins, use the passing phase to strengthen your control:

• Pass low hearts — keep your high hearts.
• Eliminate weak cards in suits where you lack strength.
• If possible, create a void in one suit so you can discard hearts when that suit is led.
• If you don’t have spade control, consider passing away the Queen of Spades rather than risking an accidental pickup.

When passing left or right, you can plan more confidently. When passing across, be more cautious — your strongest opponent may benefit.

3. Take Early Control

To shoot the moon, you must control the hand from the beginning.

• Win early tricks with high cards in side suits.
• Avoid letting opponents gain the lead.
• Once hearts are broken, start drawing out lower hearts by leading high hearts.

If someone else gains control before you establish dominance, your attempt becomes much riskier.

4. Manage the Queen of Spades Carefully

The Queen of Spades is worth 13 points and is often the hardest card to secure during a moon attempt.

• If you hold her, protect her by maintaining spade control.
• If you don’t hold her, you must force her out while you still control the hand.
• Never leave spades uncontrolled late in the hand — someone may dump the Queen on you at the wrong time.

Ideally, you capture the Queen on your own terms rather than by surprise.

5. Count Cards Constantly

Card counting is critical when shooting the moon.

• Track how many hearts have been played.
• Notice which players are void in certain suits.
• Pay attention to remaining high cards that could overtake your tricks.

If you lose track, an opponent may escape with a single heart — ending your attempt immediately.

6. Watch for Defensive Play

Experienced players will recognize your strategy and try to stop you by:

• Holding back low hearts
• Refusing to take the lead
• Forcing you into awkward plays
• Dumping high cards when safe

If multiple players cooperate defensively, it may be better to abandon the attempt and minimize damage rather than take 26 points yourself.

7. Know When to Abort

A successful player knows when to quit.

If:

• You lose a heart to another player
• Someone captures the Queen of Spades
• You lose control of the lead

Immediately shift to damage control and aim for the lowest score possible for the rest of the hand.

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General Strategy Guide

While Hearts has simple rules, mastering it requires planning and observation.

Avoid Winning Early Tricks: Taking an early trick with high cards can force you into collecting a lot of hearts later.

Manage High Cards: High cards such as the ace, king, and queen can be dangerous. Winning a trick at the wrong time may saddle you with penalty cards.

Control the Queen of Spades: The queen of spades is the most dangerous card in the game. Try to discard it when another player is clearly going to win the trick.

Watch Suit Distribution: Track which suits your opponents are running out of. If someone is void in diamonds or clubs, they may discard hearts cards onto your trick.

Plan for the End of Each Hand: As the round nears completion, think ahead. Late tricks often determine who collects the final lot of hearts.

Know When to Attempt the Moon: Only attempt shooting the moon if you have strong control in multiple suits and a realistic path to winning most tricks.

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Practical Tips for Beginners

• Keep count of how many hearts have been played.
• Be cautious leading high cards unless necessary (this is less risky in the beginning of the game).
• Try to become void in one suit so you can safely discard dangerous cards.
• Pay attention to what opponents discard, it reveals their weaknesses and their strategy. For example, if a player is discarding a lot of diamonds, they may be trying to short suit themselves so they can dump hearts later on.
• Avoid taking tricks that contain multiple hearts unless you have a clear plan.

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Video Tutorial

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Hearts remains one of the most enduring trick-taking games because it rewards careful play, observation, and timing. Instead of chasing tricks, players must strategically avoid points while managing risky cards like the queen of spades.

With no trump suit and a constant tension between defense and bold plays like shooting the moon, every round offers meaningful decisions. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or sharpening your competitive skills, the key is simple: avoid penalty cards, track your opponents, and aim for the lowest score possible by the end of the game.

Once you understand the rhythm of play and the importance of timing, Hearts becomes a deeply strategic and highly replayable classic.