Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game of avoidance — your goal is to NOT collect hearts or the dreaded Queen of Spades. Play against three AI opponents in this free online Hearts game and test your card-playing strategy. Each round begins with a card-passing phase where you exchange three cards with another player, followed by trick-taking play. The player with the Two of Clubs leads the first trick, and play continues clockwise. At the end of each round, players score one point per heart collected and 13 points for the Queen of Spades. The game continues until a player reaches 100 points, at which point the player with the lowest score wins. Or dare to "shoot the moon" — collect ALL hearts and the Queen of Spades to give every opponent 26 points instead!
How to Play Hearts
At the start of each round, select three cards to pass to another player. The passing direction rotates: left, right, across, then no pass. Choose cards strategically — pass high hearts, the Queen of Spades, or cards from short suits.
The player with the Two of Clubs leads the first trick. You must follow suit if possible. If you can't follow suit, you may play any card — this is how you dump hearts and the Queen of Spades on others. Hearts cannot be led until they've been "broken" (played on a previous trick).
Each heart collected scores 1 point, and the Queen of Spades scores 13 points. The player with the lowest score when someone reaches 100 wins. If you manage to take ALL scoring cards (Shooting the Moon), every other player gets 26 points instead!
Hearts Tips & Strategies
- Pass the Queen of Spades early unless you have enough spade cover to protect yourself.
- Void a suit early by passing cards from it — this lets you dump hearts when that suit is led.
- Keep low hearts (2, 3, 4) — they help you take tricks safely when hearts are led.
- Track which cards have been played, especially the Queen of Spades.
- Lead with low cards from long suits to draw out higher cards from opponents.
- If you suspect someone is shooting the moon, take a heart trick to stop them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shooting the Moon in Hearts?
Shooting the Moon means collecting all 13 hearts AND the Queen of Spades in one round. Instead of scoring 26 points yourself, each opponent receives 26 points. It's risky but can completely swing the game in your favor.
When can I play hearts in Hearts?
Hearts cannot be led until they have been "broken" — meaning a heart has been played on a previous trick when someone couldn't follow suit. Once broken, hearts can be led normally.
How do I avoid the Queen of Spades?
Keep low spades (especially the 2-6) to play under the Queen when spades are led. Pass the Queen at the start if you have it. Void yourself of spades by passing them to create safety when spades are led.
