Play Hearts Online — Free Card Game
Hearts is the classic trick-avoidance game: every heart costs a point and the Queen of Spades costs thirteen, so the aim is to score as few points as possible — unless you're bold enough to shoot the moon. Play Hearts free against three opponents in your browser.
How to Play Hearts
Four players each play one card per trick and must follow the led suit if able. The highest card of the led suit wins the trick and leads the next one.
- Every heart you take is 1 penalty point; the Queen of Spades is 13.
- Before each hand you pass three cards — left, then right, then across, then no pass.
- The two of clubs always leads the first trick.
- You can't lead hearts until they've been 'broken' (played on another suit).
Shooting the moon
If you take all 13 hearts and the Queen of Spades in a single hand, you score zero and every opponent takes 26 — a high-risk, high-reward play.
Strategy & Tips
- Pass away your highest cards and the Queen of Spades, unless you're set up to protect her.
- If you're not holding the Queen, shed high spades early so you don't get stuck taking her.
- Void a suit when passing so you can safely dump dangerous cards later.
- Keep a count of the hearts and the Queen so you know when a trick is safe to take.
- Only chase the moon with a genuinely strong hand — one stray heart to an opponent ruins it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of Hearts?
Finish with the fewest penalty points. The game ends when a player reaches 100, and the lowest score wins.
What is shooting the moon?
Taking all 13 hearts plus the Queen of Spades in one hand. You score 0 and each opponent gets 26 points instead.
When can I play a heart?
You can't lead a heart until hearts are 'broken' — a heart has been discarded on another suit. On the first trick you can't play hearts or the Queen at all.
Is Hearts free to play?
Yes — free, with no sign-up and no download, against three computer players.
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