| HEARTS RULES VARIATIONS & BRIEF HISTORY
Hearts is one of many card games that abound with various rule interpretations. The original game of Hearts evolved from Reverse, which was played around 1750 in Spain. The Jack and Queen of hearts were called quinolas, and the idea was to avoid any tricks containing these cards. During the latter part of the nineteenth century, Hearts became quite popular in the Mid-West - especially along the Mississippi River. At one time, it was the # 2 card game in the country - second only to Euchre! In the early 1900's, Bridge became the rage, and by the 1930 - it was a national pastime. Gin Rummy, Spades, and Canasta soon followed, and Hearts was almost eclipsed! The 1950's brought on a resurgence in the game of Hearts, and new rule options were added. Many college students found a way to turn Hearts into gold, and money games were part of campus life. The 1970's and 80's featured the advent of live Tournaments, and the rise of the Internet in the 90's insured a bright future for this venerable Classic.
RULES VARIATIONS: (Assume the standard 4-hand game)
Note - These suggestions apply as option for live games; most sites already have a set of rules for each respective card game.
1. Opening Lead
The deuce of clubs lead with no dumping (of a heart or the spade Queen) on the first trick has become the standard. However, a number of players prefer to have the person to the left of the dealer lead any suit (other than a heart). The no dumping rule still applies; however, a spade lead may drive out a hanging Queen! Either of these (opening lead) options is fine; please bear in mind that the latter choice does change the game, and the club deuce now becomes a very valuable card!
2. Passing of Cards
The pass of three cards (originally to the left, only) became part of the game in the early 1900's. Then the option of passing alternatively to the right and then, across was added. During the 1950's, the keeper or hold hand on every fourth deal was offered as an option. The idea was to add some luck to the game, and neutralize the skill of the stronger players. Some of the Hoyle rules books accepted hold hands as an official rule. However the Pass is an integral part of Hearts, and is intended to allow a player to improve his/her hand. In live events, a hold hand is not included, and the rotation of the pass is Left, Right, Across - Left, Right, Across, etc. applies. Note that a few groups employ the scatter pass of one card to each player for the fourth deal. This is a very nice twist. An intriguing variation is to have a game with ALL hold hands! This would certainly make shooting the moon, a very difficult endeavor! As usual, I suggest that you determine the Pass rotation before the beginning of play.
3. Moonshot Subtraction Option
We all know that when you Shoot The Moon, it is very thrilling, and quite pleasurable when you drop 26 points on the scores of each of the opponents! Many games move right along when there are several Shoots. During the early days of the live events (1970-90) , an interesting situation repeatedly occurred. Look at this scenario:
The game limit is 100 points. Here are the scores: Mary has 51 (points) ; Bob has 79; Bill has 83; and Sue has 95. Mary Shoots The Moon, and adds the points to the scores of her opponents, and that is that! What happens if any of the other players reaches the Moon? Mary still wins the game! If Bill or Bob Shoots, Mary finishes with 77 points, as Sue (and Bill or Bob) goes out. And if Sue Shoots, she pushes Bob and Bill out - with a win for Mary. Thus, we have a peculiarity here. It occurs when the first place (position) player toward the end of a game has a greater than 26 point lead, and one of the other player Shoots. Thus, there are times when going for a Moon (especially with a loaded hand) is clearly disadvantageous.
This was noted in the early days of the live events, and was remedied by allowing the Shooter to subtract the 26 points. In order to prevent endless games and negative scores, the option was modified to allow the Shooter to subtract only when anyone at the table had a score of 74 (or more) points.
4. The Queen of Spades breaks Hearts
This is a disputed rule. Because the Queen of Spades is a point card, it seemed logical that the play of the Queen would automatically break Hearts. (I prefer this rule). Not so fast, partner! Many players believe that the spade Queen is NOT a Heart, and therefore, does not break Hearts. Whichever variation you choose, be sure that the players in your game are aware. Otherwise, you may hold a hand with the A-K-Q-J-10 of hearts, and the A-K-Q of spades, and a small diamond or a small club with visions of the Moon! After intentionally leading the Spade Queen, and shifting to the Ace of Hearts, the opponents stop you dead in your tracks! You are reminded that the Queen of Spades does not break hearts, and you watch a heart get dropped a small club (or diamond), followed by the lead a small heart, and 25 fat points to your score! Be sure you know what the rule application is before you start a game!
5. Five Point Bonus for No Tricks
This strange rule seems to pop up at live events. The idea is to reward any player who takes no tricks during a hand with a deduction of five points from his/her score. I have researched the history/rules of the game, and have not found any reference to this option; however, it has been discussed at many tournaments. This variation is best avoided, as it distorts the scoring of a game, and affects play, as well.
By the way, if you know of any other rule variations, please let me know. (The Jack of Diamonds, Partnership, Cancellation, Omnibus, etc. are formats).
QUICK QUIZ - WIN A PRIZE!!
Is it possible to Shoot The Moon with this hand? (Assume any favorable distribution of cards, as well as help from the opponents.)
 4 3 2
 None
 A 9 3 2
 A 10 6 5 4 3
Note - There are several possible answers here....
Have a great month! See you in October! | |
