How to play Hearts

Objective

Finish with the lowest score by avoiding penalty cards.

Setup

1. 1

   For four players, deal 13 cards each.

2. 2

   Pass three cards in the agreed left, right, across, hold cycle.

How play works

1. 1

   The two of clubs leads the first trick. Follow suit if possible.

2. 2

   Hearts cannot normally be led until broken. The highest card of the led suit wins the trick.

3. 3

   Penalty cards usually cannot be played on the first trick.

Scoring and winning

1. 1

   Each heart scores 1 penalty point and the queen of spades scores 13.

2. 2

   Taking every penalty card usually gives opponents 26 points or subtracts 26 from the shooter.

Rules to settle before play

1. 1

   The game often ends when someone reaches 100.

2. 2

   Three- and five-player games remove cards to divide the deck evenly.