Goal: Collect as few penalty points as possible. The game ends when one or more players reach 100 or more points. The player with the lowest score wins.
Penalty Points
- Each Heart (♥) = 1 penalty point
- The Queen of Spades (♠Q) = 13 penalty points
- Total per round: 26 penalty points
How a Round Works
- 13 cards are dealt to each player.
- Passing cards: Choose 3 cards to pass (Left → Across → Right, then repeat). No hold rounds.
- The player with the 2 of Clubs leads the first trick.
- Play 13 tricks. You must follow suit if you can.
- You may not lead a heart until a heart has been played earlier in the round (hearts are "broken").
Shooting the Moon
If one player takes all 13 hearts AND the Queen of Spades, that player scores 0 points for the round and each of the other three players receives +26 penalty points. A dramatic moment!
Tips for Beginners
- Pass high hearts and the Queen of Spades if you hold them.
- Try to avoid taking the Queen of Spades if another player is likely to capture it.
- Good timing when breaking hearts is key.
