Heart

How to Play Hearts

Hearts is a classic and strategic trick-taking card game, typically played by four players, where the main goal is to finish with the lowest score. The game includes 13 tricks per round, and points are given for specific cards—each heart is worth 1 point, and the dreaded Queen of Spades carries 13 points. The game continues until any player reaches 100 points, and the player with the fewest points at the end is declared the winner.

On gaming platforms like Solitrd, you can play the Hearts game online for free. It’s a smooth, browser-based Hearts no download experience, perfect for both beginners and pros. Whether you're relaxing at home or sharpening your skills, Solitrd offers the best online Hearts multiplayer environment with unlimited rounds and competitive features.

Objective

Your goal in a game of Hearts is to avoid taking penalty cards and end with the lowest score possible. Penalty cards include all hearts and the Queen of Spades. However, in rare situations, skilled players may attempt to “shoot the moon”, capturing all penalty cards in a single round to flip the scoring in their favor.

Key Hearts Terminology

Trick-taking games like Hearts come with a few special terms and mechanics that are especially important when enjoying a Free Hearts Game or a Hearts Online Multiplayer match:

• Rounds: Each round deals 13 cards to each of the four players. Rounds continue until one player accumulates 100 points.
• Passing: Players pass three cards at the beginning of each round. The pass direction rotates—left (first round), across (second), right (third), and no pass (fourth). This sequence repeats throughout the game.
• Leading: The player with the Two of Clubs leads the first trick. The winner of each trick becomes the leader for the next.
• Tricks: Each trick involves one card played by each player. The highest-ranking card in the lead suit wins the trick.
• Points: Only hearts and the Queen of Spades carry points. Hearts are worth 1 point each, and the Queen of Spades is worth 13. Clubs and diamonds are worth zero.

Shoot the Moon: If a player captures all 13 hearts and the Queen of Spades, they "shoot the moon"—they score 0, while all other players receive 26 points.

Hearts Rules to Understand

Mastering these rules will make your Hearts gameplay more enjoyable and competitive:

• You must follow suit if you can. If not, you may play any other card.
• You cannot lead with a heart until hearts have been “broken” (played after a failed follow).
• The Queen of Spades can be played any time after the first trick.
• In the first trick, you cannot play Hearts or the Queen of Spades.
• Card passing follows a rotating pattern every round and is a crucial strategic phase of each game.

Winning Hearts Strategy

Improving your Hearts strategy will significantly increase your chances of winning, especially in the best online Hearts multiplayer games:

• Pass Smart : Pass high cards like the Ace or King of Spades to avoid capturing the Queen of Spades. Retain low hearts and avoid keeping isolated high cards.
• Avoid Leading Early : Try not to win early tricks, especially when hearts and the Queen haven't been played yet.
• Track Cards : Pay attention to what has been played. Knowing how many cards remain in a suit helps you make smarter plays.
• Watch for Moon Shooters : If another player is aggressively winning tricks, they may be attempting to shoot the moon. Take at least one penalty card to stop them.
• Void a Suit Early : Getting rid of an entire suit (like clubs or diamonds) lets you “slough off” hearts or the Queen when that suit is led.
• Use Low Hearts Wisely : Keep your low hearts to avoid winning tricks once hearts are in play.
• Use the Queen as a Weapon : Timing is key when you hold the Queen. Wait until others are void in spades before playing her.

Other Games to Explore

If you enjoy Hearts Online Multiplayer , you might also like similar trick-taking games such as Spades and Euchre . For solo gameplay, try Canfield Solitaire , Eight Off , or FreeCell —perfect alternatives when you want to enjoy card games without competing players.

Frequently Asked Questions