The Complete Guide to Hearts

1. Hearts - Game Rules

The 18th century ancestor of Hearts was called Reverse, because in this card game, you want to lose certain tricks rather than win them. Here are the rules of Hearts.

2. Basic Hearts Strategy

When it comes to playing Hearts, once you've made your passes you have to play your cards as best you can. While shooting the moon (getting all 26 points) is possible for experienced players, these beginner tips from contributing writer Seth Brown will presume that you are not trying to shoot the moon, and are just looking for some basic Hearts strategy tips.

3. What to Pass in Hearts

Choosing the three cards to pass at the beginning of the round is a key part of Hearts strategy. This is the best opportunity you will have to improve your hand, especially by getting rid of cards that could be problematic for you. Contributing writer Seth Brown has some tips.

4. How to Shoot the Moon in Hearts

Generally speaking, your goal in a round of Hearts is to take the fewest points. However, if you manage to take all 26 points in a round, this is called "shooting the moon", and you get to subtract 26 points from your total instead. Although difficult to do and generally not recommended for beginners, here are some tips from contributing writer Seth Brown on how to shoot the moon in Hearts.

5. Omnibus Hearts - Rules

This version of the card game Hearts adds the 10 of diamonds to the list of scoring cards -- but it is a card players want to win rather than avoid.

6. Cancellation Hearts - Rules

This version of the card game Hearts is for large groups.