| Wanted: Hearts Players Alive and Kicking – September 2004 (see info below)
Beginner's Korner -- Tip of the Month
The Pass and Passing – Insurance Against Shooting the Moon
"Shooting the Moon" is the most devastating play in Hearts. It improves your position and score, and has a psychological effect on your opponents. Unless you are losing badly, the Moon can vault you into First Place, or deliver victory -- on the spot! The pass of a middle Heart is one of the most effective defense against the Moon. If your opponents know that you consistently pass a middle or low Heart, they will be less enthused about setting up their hands for Moons. Then, on occasion, you might be able to get away with unloading three high Diamonds or Clubs. In this way, you are keeping them off-balance. Let's look at some examples of correct passing technique. Suppose that you are dealt these hands (assume the pass is to the left).
1.  J 10 9 6,  Q 10 5 3,  A K,  K 9 4
2.  A Q 10 9 7,  K J 2,  A J 10,  10 8
3.  A 9 6,  A 9 6 2,  K J,  J 10 6 3
Hand A. It might be tempting to pass the two high Diamonds, and the King of Clubs. This could send your left-hand opponent to the Moon. Why not pass the two big Diamonds and the 10 of Hearts? You still have Hearts stopped, and your void in Diamonds allows a potential to discard (assuming that you do not receive any Diamonds on the pass). Advanced players will approach this hand slightly differently. The four Spades are ideal for driving out the Queen, and the Diamonds are sure entries to gain the lead. Thus, an alternative pass is two high Clubs and the 10 of Hearts. If you do receive the Spade Queen, then the high Diamonds will allow you to strip that suit.
Hand B. Here, you hold a well-protected Spade Queen. A good and safe pass is two Clubs and the Jack of Hearts. Passing those three Diamonds could feed someone a Moon if they have long, running Clubs, and a bunch of Diamonds in need of those top cards. I would not object to the pass of the Ace and Jack of Diamonds and the Jack of Hearts. Do NOT consider dumping your three Hearts and hoping for a pass of no Hearts (and a shot at the Moon). The Deuce of Hearts is a very valuable card. If you are passed a middle Heart, you will be roasted, as you have no escape cards.
Hand C. This hand is very ticklish. Firstly, you have to unload the Ace of Spades. I know the dimes are bad; however, you must guard against the Moon. Then, drop the 9 of Hearts. For your third (passed) card, let go of the King of Diamonds. Some very bold players will ditch the big dimes and the 9 of Hearts! If you are passed no Diamonds, you will then have a place to park the big Spade. Place it safe and pass the conventional Ace of Spades, 9 of Hearts, and big Diamond.
Oh yes, a few final words here. A big factor is the score, and your position in the game. There are situations in which you have to go for the Moon, as it is the only hope for winning a game. Then again, the direction of the pass can be critical. Passes across and to the right will influence your decision. Sometimes dumping off high cards (and no Hearts) to the fellow in third or fourth place will cause no harm. And lastly, hands which are short in Spades often require special attention. However, when the dust settles, the regular pass of a stopping Heart is still a good technique.
Advanced Alley: Endgame Positions
Suppose you are playing in a competitive game, and the scores are close after eight or nine deals. During a particular hand, the points have been divided, and there is no chance for a Moon. You hold these four cards after trick #9.
 A Q,  A 2,  None,  None
Of course, you don't have the luxury of seeing all four hands. Here are the facts.
a. Your Ace and Queen are the last two Spades.
b. There are only two Hearts remaining, the 6 and the 3.
c. You do not know how these two remaining Hearts are distributed.
(Are they in the same hand, or are they divided between two opponents?)
d. As stated above, there is no way for anyone to shoot the Moon.
e. Finally, you are on lead.
What do you play, and why?
There is not a 100% solution here. It really does boil down to a guess. However, there is a logical approach to this situation. You have to make a decision. Are the two remaining Hearts located in the same hand -- or are they divided between two hands? The Ace of Hearts is the master card, and the Deuce is the potential "out" card. If you lead the Ace of Hearts, and the 3 and 4 of Hearts are together in the same hand, then the Deuce will provide a perfect escape. However, if the 3 and 4 are separated, then they both fall under the Ace, and the Deuce will be worthless. If you lead the Deuce initially, and the other two Hearts are together, then that player will win the 6, and croak you with the 3. If those outstanding Hearts are separated, then the 3 will fall and the 6 will win, and you will be safe. Nice, huh? How can you be sure? It is as good as flipping a coin -- a guess. Is there something else bubbling under the surface?
Wait a second! There is another arrow in your quiver! The play of the "good" Ace of Spades may place a nervous opponent on the hot seat. Somebody might panic and drop one of those Hearts -- most likely the six-spot. That is a pretty big Heart. Now, you can get out cleanly with the Deuce. Hold on. I know this is exciting -- LOL. What if the Hearts are separated and each opponent who holds one Heart dumps his Heart on that Ace of Spades? Ugh! Then again, if the Hearts are together, and the player who holds them is as cool as a cucumber, he will discard another card. Then it is you who are sitting in the hot seat, and it is back to square one. Still, I like the lead of the Ace of Spades on the 10th trick.
It really is amazing how basic-looking scenarios can have so much energy packed into them! Who said Hearts was an easy game?
Announcing the Sixth National Hearts Championship
SEPT. 17-19 IN CHICAGO, IL
If you think you "got game," then plan on coming to Chicago, IL, for the 2004 Nationals! Unlike Spades and Euchre, which are "Qualifers Only" tournaments, Hearts is an "Open" event, and anyone (over 17) is welcome to play.
Space is limited, and the first 36 players who register will be accepted. Last year's winner received $1000 and a beautiful First Place Trophy! If you want to receive an invite, send an e-mail to Heartsmoon@aol.com.
Happy Father's Day (June 20) to all of the dads out there!
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