The 3 Best Ways To Play Hearts [ The Complete Guide 2022]

It is a prerequisite of every game to have a set of defined rules. Even in the game of life, for that matter. While in addition to these rules, a player will need some tips and tricks to play the game. To win it, basically.

This article here talks about one such popular card game - The Game of Hearts. Hearts is a card game that is enjoyed across all age groups. All you have to do is, follow the rules, while paying close attention to the tips and tricks that this article suggests. 

Keep scrolling through this article to get access, to these secrets.

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The Three Best Tips & Tricks To Play Hearts

However, loved and popular this game of Hearts is, the rules associated with the game are somewhat complex for an amateur. This card game will require its players to ‘not acquire’ certain cards, in order to gain victory. 

The other names associated with this game are, The Dirty, Black Lady, Crubs, and Black Maria, along with a few others. 

Here’s a list of the three best tips, that will serve a similar purpose of  the step by step how to play hearts guide. 

Additional tip: if possible avoid the titular Hearts.

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1. Understand The Basics

The first step to playing this game, is to grab a group of friends, a standard deck, & some scratch paper. This versatile game can be played with a group consisting of odd-numbered ( 3-7) players. However, four is the preferable number. 

Hearts have a basic 52-card deck, excluding Jokers. Now, once the essential elements of the game are met, you are left with a scratch paper and a pen, to record the scores of the players. Players are usually dealt with the same no of cards, by having 1 player deal in the circle until no cards are left.

Remember, if you’re playing with a group of people consisting of either more or less than 4 members, there will be leftover cards. It is advisable to keep these ‘hole’ cards away for the time being.  

Pick up the cards and start  passing  three cards, following the pattern

*1st round- left

*2nd round - right

*3rd round - across

*4th  round - hold onto your cards

* 5th round - left

* 6th round - right

* 7th round - across

Pick up the cards your opponent has passed, but not until all the players are done passing the cards. If you’re in possession of a, 2 of the clubs, you can start the game. Hearts will carry 1 point, whereas, the queen of spades, will carry 13 points.

According to the  Hearts terminology, the player playing the 1st card of the trick is given the authority to lead the trick. This player can start the game however, they want to. 

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Avoiding the Hearts & The Queen of Spades, is a good option. Because of its close resemblance with golf, the rules are somewhat similar. The player who sustains till the end of the game with the fewest points wins. Calculate the score as soon as one hand ends. 

2. Learning The Strategy O The Game

*As a player, you should always start the game with your highest cards. 

*While you begin playing, follow the suit only when you can.

*In case you’re leading a trick, try playing a card which can be beaten easily.

*If you are not leading a trick, follow the suit with a considerably lower card. 

*Aim for the moon only when you can.

3. Some Useful Tips 

*Remember, in the Jack of Diamonds variation of Hearts,  players receiving the Jack of Diamonds while in the trick, have 10 points deducted from their score. 

*It is advisable to arrange your hand, first by suit and then by rank. Players who have mastered the art of Hearts, arrange the deck from left-right, following the order  Clubs, Diamonds, Spades, & Hearts. Each suit is arranged left-right from 2- A. 

*The high cards are usually  A-J in hearts, diamonds, & clubs;  A-Q in spades.

*In case you have already played the Ace of Spades as well as the King, try to discard a suit that will help you to get rid of the Queen. 

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Conclusion

It is safe to assume that I have been able to give you a basic idea of how to play Hearts. If you have gone through this article, till the end, mastering this game will be a cakewalk for you. 

But you also have to understand that success won’t come to you overnight. It is a long process. However, following the correct path under proper guidance will help you achieve it sooner. 

Have more tips to share with us? Our comments section is at your service. We’d love to hear back from you.

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