Historia
Hearts evolved from a family of trick-avoiding card games that originated in 18th-century Spain. The earliest ancestor was likely "Reversis," a game where players tried to avoid winning tricks containing certain cards. The game spread throughout Europe, developing regional variations.
The modern American version of Hearts crystallized in the late 19th century. The key innovation was focusing penalties on hearts (one point each) and the Queen of Spades (thirteen points), while adding the thrilling "shooting the moon" option—capturing all penalty cards to reverse the scoring.
Hearts gained tremendous popularity in the United States during the 20th century. It became a staple in college dormitories, military barracks, and family gatherings. The game's inclusion in Microsoft Windows (beginning with Windows 3.1 in 1992) introduced millions worldwide to Hearts, cementing its place as a beloved classic.
The strategic depth of Hearts lies in its blend of card play skill and psychology. Unlike bridge, there's no bidding system to learn, making it accessible, yet the game rewards careful hand management, card counting, and reading opponents' plays. Professional Hearts tournaments exist, with dedicated players developing sophisticated strategies for both passing and play.
Runt om i världen
- Black Lady
- Black Maria
- Chase the Lady
- Omnibus Hearts
- Reversis
Strategi
Hearts strategy involves card passing, void creation, and tracking which cards have been played.
Passing Strategy
Pass high hearts (especially Ace, King, Queen) unless you're considering shooting the moon. Pass the Ace, King, or Queen of Spades (especially the Queen) if you can't protect it. Keep low cards in suits to duck tricks. Creating a void in a suit lets you dump penalty cards later.
The Queen of Spades
This 13-point card dominates strategy. If you have it without protection (lower spades), pass it. If you have several spades, you might keep it and hope to play it on someone else's trick. The safest approach is usually to get rid of it early.
Shooting the Moon
Consider shooting if you have very strong hearts (A, K, Q plus several others) AND the Queen of Spades. You need near-certain control of every penalty card. Even partial success is worthless—take ALL or your score explodes.
Card Counting
Track high cards in each suit, especially spades. Know when the Queen of Spades has been played. Count hearts to know when someone might be shooting. This awareness prevents nasty surprises.
Early vs. Late Game
Early tricks are about voiding suits and finding safe discards. Late tricks become more dangerous as everyone runs low on cards. Save your low cards to duck late tricks when penalty cards are flying.
The Dangerous Middle
Middle-rank cards (7s, 8s, 9s, 10s) are dangerous—they win tricks but can't control suits. Low cards are safest; high cards can grab control when needed. Try to avoid the mushy middle.
Playing to Opponents
Watch what others pass and play. A player void in hearts early might be shooting. A player collecting hearts could be shooting—or could be stuck with them. Adapt your play to the emerging situation.
Varianter
Hearts has many popular variations:
Jack of Diamonds (Omnibus Hearts)
The Jack of Diamonds is worth -10 points (reduces your score). This adds another card to chase or avoid, complicating shooting the moon.
Spot Hearts
Each heart is worth its face value (2-10, J=11, Q=12, K=13, A=14). Higher hearts are more dangerous to collect.
Partnership Hearts
Players across from each other are partners, combining their scores. Changes passing dynamics dramatically.
Cancellation Hearts
For 6-10 players using two decks. When identical cards are played in the same trick, they cancel out and neither wins. Creates chaos and larger groups.
Black Maria
British variant where the Queen of Spades, King of Spades (10 points), and Ace of Spades (7 points) are all penalty cards. No shooting the moon. Hearts are worth face value.
Auction Hearts
Before play, players bid for the right to name which suit will be penalty cards (not necessarily hearts). Adds a bidding element.
Joker Hearts
Add one or two jokers. A joker can be played on any trick (even if you can follow suit) and never wins. Serves as a safe dump card.
Draw Hearts
For 3 players. Deal 17 cards each, set aside 1. When you run out of a suit, you may draw from the remaining deck instead of playing from your hand.
Vanliga frågor
Hearts cannot be led until 'broken'—until someone plays a heart on a trick where they couldn't follow the led suit. After that, hearts may be led freely. Some variants allow leading hearts once you have only hearts remaining.