Last updated: March 2026
What Is Hearts?
Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game for four players where the goal is to avoid taking hearts and the dreaded Queen of Spades. Each heart is worth 1 point and the Queen of Spades is worth 13 points. The game ends when any player reaches 100 points, and the player with the lowest score wins.
The game features a unique passing phase where players exchange three cards before each hand, rotating between passing left, right, across, and holding. This adds a strategic layer — you can dump dangerous high cards to opponents or set up your hand for a moon shot.
Hearts has been a popular card game for over a century and was introduced to millions through the version bundled with Windows. This online version plays against three AI opponents at different skill levels, from casual to card-counting strategy.
How to Play
Pass three cards. At the start of each hand, click three cards from your hand to select them, then click “Pass Cards.” The direction rotates: left, right, across, then hold (no passing).
Follow suit. The player with the 2 of Clubs leads the first trick. You must play a card of the led suit if you have one. If you are void in that suit, you may play any card — except you cannot play hearts or the Queen of Spades on the first trick.
Avoid points. The highest card of the led suit wins the trick. Each heart taken is 1 point, and the Queen of Spades is 13 points. Try to dodge them — or collect them all for a Shooting the Moon play.
Watch for the moon. If one player takes all 13 hearts and the Queen of Spades, they score 0 and everyone else gets 26 points. It is a game-changing move that can turn a losing position into a winning one.
Strategy Guide
Pass high spades early. The Ace and King of Spades are dangerous because the Queen of Spades is 13 points. Pass them during the passing phase unless you have a plan to duck under the Queen.
Create voids. If you can empty a suit from your hand, you can dump penalty cards when others lead that suit. Pass cards to create voids in weak suits.
Track the Queen. Pay attention to who plays what. If the Queen of Spades has not appeared, be careful about winning spade tricks with high cards. Let others take the lead in that suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules of Hearts?
Avoid taking hearts (1 point each) and the Queen of Spades (13 points). The player with the lowest score wins when someone reaches 100 points. If you take ALL 13 hearts and the Queen of Spades, you "Shoot the Moon" and everyone else gets 26 points instead.
When can I play hearts?
Hearts cannot be led until "broken" -- meaning a heart has been discarded on a trick where you could not follow the led suit. You also cannot play hearts or the Queen of Spades on the first trick unless you have no other option.
How does card passing work?
Before each hand, you select 3 cards to pass. The direction rotates each hand: pass left, pass right, pass across, then a hold round with no passing. The cycle then repeats.
How strong are the AI opponents?
Each opponent plays at a different level. West is Easy (plays lowest card most of the time). North is Medium (tracks suit voids, avoids danger cards). East is Hard (counts cards, ducks the Queen of Spades, and blocks moon shots).
Is there a daily challenge?
Yes. The daily challenge uses the same card deal for everyone on the same day. Click "Daily Challenge" to play it. Compare your score with friends.
What is Shooting the Moon?
If you manage to take all 13 hearts and the Queen of Spades in a single hand, you "Shoot the Moon." Instead of getting 26 points, you get 0 and all three opponents get 26 points each. It is a high-risk, high-reward strategy.