Many trick-taking games are not directly related to Bridge or Whist. Perhaps the foremost one is Hearts, which is truly one of the greatest card games ever devised for four players, each playing individually.
The Pack
The standard 52-card pack is used.
Object of the Game
To be the player with the lowest score at the end of the game. When one player hits the agreed-upon score or higher, the game ends; and the player with the lowest score wins.
Card Values/Scoring
At the end of each hand, players count the number of hearts they have taken as well as the queen of spades, if applicable. Hearts count as one point each and the queen counts 13 points.
Each heart - 1 point
The Q - 13 points
The aggregate total of all scores for each hand must be a multiple of 26.
The game is usually played to 100 points (some play to 50).
When a player takes all 13 hearts and the queen of spades in one hand, instead of losing 26 points, that player scores zero and each of his opponents score an additional 26 points.
The Deal
Deal the cards one at a time, face down, clockwise. In a four-player game, each is dealt 13 cards; in a three-player game, the 2 of diamonds should be removed, and each player gets 17 cards; in a five-player game, the 2 of clubs should be removed so that each player will get 10 cards.
The Play
The player holding the 2 of clubs after the pass makes the opening lead. If the 2 has been removed for the three handed game, then the 3 of clubs is led.
Each player must follow suit if possible. If a player is void of the suit led, a card of any other suit may be discarded. However, if a player has no clubs when the first trick is led, a heart or the queen of spades cannot be discarded. The highest card of the suit led wins a trick and the winner of that trick leads next. There is no trump suit.
The winner of the trick collects it and places it face down. Hearts may not be led until a heart or the queen of spades has been discarded. The queen does not have to be discarded at the first opportunity.
The queen can be led at any time.
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March 17, 2018 at 1:44 amIf you have only hearts, or only hearts and the queen of spades, are you allowed to play a point card on the opening turn, or does the hand basically have to redealt?
Niko Heartlove
April 18, 2018 at 7:50 amThere are different variations of the rules, regarding Shooting the Moon (New Moon vs Old Moon), the Jack of Diamond’s role in the play and more. You can read more at https://viphearts.com/rules/
Niko Heartlove
April 18, 2018 at 7:48 amIf you only have Hearts and the QoS, you are obliged to play the QoS first. If you have 13 hearts (although the odds of that are really low), you can play your first trick as a Heart.
Additionally, there are several different rules variations regarding Shooting the Moon, the Jack of Diamonds play in the game and more. You can find them at https://viphearts.com/rules/
The Bicycle Team
March 17, 2018 at 12:05 pmHello, The complete rules for cards games can be found @ https://bicyclecards.wpengine.com/rules/ or you can get the mobile download for the new and improved app for apple on the App store or for Android on Google Play. Best Wishes, The Bicycle Team
Dominick Morone
November 4, 2017 at 10:49 pmThere is a mistake in the directions about the card to remove for a three player game. Is it the 2 of diamonds or clubs?
Misti Bilodeau
January 1, 2018 at 1:31 am2 of diamonds is removed so player who has 2 of clubs leads. I see the mistake as well.
The Bicycle Team
November 6, 2017 at 1:45 pmHello Dominick, To my knowledge the directions are complete, however if you require more in depth information, we can suggest – Bicycle Official Rules of Card Games, available @
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Official-Rules-Card-Games/dp/1889752061 Thank You, The Bicycle Team
Bill Farley
December 23, 2016 at 1:23 amWhat is the penalty for reneging (playing off sour when you could have followed suit)?
Hulk Hogan
January 3, 2018 at 4:45 amDeath unless you are under the age of fifteen. This is undisputable fact, do not argue.
Richard Smith
December 3, 2017 at 2:39 pmDeath
Hulk Hogan
January 3, 2018 at 4:51 amNope
Stuart Ewen
March 18, 2016 at 8:01 pmWhen lifeguards play, a common passtime, the Jack of Diamonds is 10 to the good. The Queen of Spades is 13 to the bad and each Heart is one to the bad. If you get all the Hearts and the Queen of spades that is called shooting the moon and becomes 26 to the good.
The Bicycle Team
March 21, 2016 at 1:10 pmThat’s correct about shooting the moon. We haven’t heard about the Jack of Diamonds part. That’s an interesting way to play. Thanks for sharing Stuart!
Trent Richards
August 9, 2015 at 8:07 pmIf you’re playing with friends, Bicycle cards are the way to go. If you’re looking to polish up your game online, definitely check out http://www.playhearts-online.com.