Hearts*
Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game played with a standard deck, beloved for generations and known for its simple yet strategic gameplay. The primary objective is to avoid collecting hearts, each worth one point, and the queen of spades, a pivotal card worth thirteen points. However, the game has a twist – players can attempt to "shoot the moon" by capturing all the hearts and the queen of spades. This daring move either adds 26 points to each opponent's score or reduces the player's own score by 26, depending on the variation played.
Gameplay Overview
- Avoid Points: Dodge hearts and the queen of spades.
- Trick-Taking Mechanics: Win tricks without collecting penalty cards.
- No Trump Suit: Play without a trump suit, focusing on suit-following and strategy.
Special Features
- Shooting the Moon: A high-risk, high-reward strategy to reverse the game's dynamics.
- Variations: Multiple versions to cater to different player preferences.
Conclusion
Hearts is a perfect game for those who enjoy strategic card games that balance risk and reward. Its straightforward rules, combined with the potential for dramatic turnarounds, make it a timeless choice for card game enthusiasts of all ages.
- 3 - 7 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
We like Hearts so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024
- Position 19 in The best board games for exactly four players
- Position 7 in The best board games from the 19th century🏛
- Position 10 in The best classic card games🃏🏛 - still a pleasure every time!
- Position 10 in The best games set in the DC Comics universe