Hearts is a trick-taking card game turned upside down: instead of chasing tricks, you try to avoid the ones that carry points. Every heart is worth 1 point, the queen of spades 13, and the lowest score wins. There is no trump and no partner, which makes it a game of careful counting and a little mischief.
In Hamdor you can play Hearts online against real players, set up a private room and send the code to friends, or practise offline against three bots. Empty seats are filled by bots, always labelled as bots.
How to play Hearts
- Four players, each on their own; 13 cards each.
- Before each hand you pass three cards: left, then right, then across, then no pass, and round again.
- Whoever holds the two of clubs leads it. Follow suit if you can; if not, throw anything, except that hearts and the queen of spades are barred from the first trick unless you have nothing else.
- The highest card of the suit led takes the trick; there is no trump. Hearts can't be led until one has been played (hearts broken), unless you hold only hearts.
- Each heart is 1 point and the queen of spades 13. Take all 26 and you shoot the moon: 0 for you, 26 for everyone else.
- When someone reaches 100 points (50 in a quick game) the game ends; the lowest score wins.
These are the exact rules Hamdor plays by; the app shows them too, under each game's How to play tab.
Hearts in Hamdor
- Passing cycle: before each hand you pass three cards: left, then right, then across, then a hand with no pass.
- Two of clubs leads: no hearts or queen of spades on the first trick unless you have nothing else.
- Hearts must be broken before anyone can lead a heart.
- Shooting the moon: take all 13 hearts and the queen and you score 0 while everyone else gets 26.
- Two lengths: a full game to 100 points or a quick game to 50.
Hearts modes in Hamdor
- To 100 points
- Quick, to 50
Tips to win at Hearts
- Pass the queen if she is short. With only one or two other spades, pass the queen of spades. With four or more spades you can usually keep her and wait.
- Watch the ace and king of spades. When you are short in spades, these two can catch the queen. They are good cards to pass.
- Void a suit with your pass. Passing all your clubs or diamonds lets you dump hearts or the queen as soon as that suit is led.
- Keep low hearts. A two or three of hearts is a safe exit that lets you lead hearts without taking the trick.
- Count the spades. Until the queen has fallen, track how many spades are out and who has run out.
- Stop the moon. If one player has taken every point so far, take a heart yourself. One point is much cheaper than 26.
Hearts in Hamdor
- Online, ranked: play real opponents and earn a rating. If nobody turns up within a few seconds, a bot takes the seat and is labelled as a bot.
- Private rooms: create a room, send the code to your friends and chat with stickers and reactions while you play.
- Bots: play offline against bots, to practise or when nobody is online.
- Stats and streaks: your win rate, best winning streak and this game's leaderboard.
- Your own look: change how the table and pieces look in the Hamdor shop. It is cosmetic only and never affects who wins.
Hearts FAQ
How many players does Hearts need?
Four, each playing alone. In Hamdor, bots fill any empty seats.
What is shooting the moon?
Taking all 13 hearts and the queen of spades in one hand. You score 0 and every other player gets 26.
When does a game of Hearts end?
When someone reaches 100 points, or 50 in a quick game. The player with the lowest score wins.
Can I play Hearts offline?
Yes. Hamdor lets you play Hearts against three bots without a connection. Online play with friends needs the internet.