Hearts Tips and Strategies

Hearts Column of the Month – October 2001

By Joe Andrews

September Hearts Quiz
The following hand was presented (assume it is "South"):

4 3 2
None
A 9 3 2
A 10 6 5 4 3

The challenge was to determine if a Slam ("Moon") could be made, assuming any favorable distribution of cards and help from the opponents.

Several people stated that a Moon was impossible with the above layout. However, more than 50 correct solutions were received. Many of you recognized the pattern and the distribution that allowed for the Moon. The solution included the following elements:

a. 4- 3 - 3 - 3 layout of the Spade suit

b. 4 - 3 - 3 - 3 or 4 - 4 - 3 - 2 layout of the Diamond suit

c. The remaining seven Clubs divided 3 - 2 - 2 or 3 - 3 - 1.

d. The top Clubs must fall on the first two rounds of this suit, as South ducks the first two rounds of Clubs.

e. The top Diamonds must fall on the first two rounds of this suit, as South ducks at least once, and preferably twice.

Obviously, no Heart or the Spade Queen is thrown prematurely. After all, the opponents are friendly!

One of the typical winning layouts is as illustrated:

	North 10 7 5 K J 9 8 3 10 5 6 Q J
West A K Q J 7 6 5 2 K Q 4 9 2		East 9 8 6 A Q 10 4 J 8 7 K 8 7
	South (you) 4 3 2 None A 9 3 2 A 10 6 5 4 3

West leads the Club Deuce, and the Queen, King, and 6 are played. East now leads a high Spade (the 9), as South drops the 4, West wins the Ace, and North follows with his 10 spot. The King and Jack of Spades are now cashed, extracting all remaining Spades, except for the Queen. West shifts to the King of Diamonds, and the 10, Jack, and Deuce are played. Now the Diamond Queen is led, and it draws the 6, 8, and 3. Finally, West exits with his last Club, as North heaves the Jack, East inserts his 8, and South wins the Ace. The 10 of Clubs fetches the 8 spot and two high Heart discards, and the rest of South's hand is good.

Thus, we have a very basic "unblocking" theme in three suits, as the lack of a Heart in the South hand assures the "shoot."

The two winners are "Shadowlord" and "DagwoodOma."
Look for another Quiz in next month's column.

Hearts Variations
One player writes: "We play a rule concerning the first lead. You mentioned the player to the left leading but not allowing dumping. We DO allow dumping on the first trick, whether a Heart or the (Spade) Queen. I prefer this variation, as nothing is more enjoyable than dumping the (Spade) Queen on the low person on the first trick, unless it is me, of course."

My comment: You are basically creating a different game. I have never seen this variation applied at any level of competition. However, this might be a nice change of pace. If the lead of the Deuce of Clubs is part of your variation, then it becomes imperative to pass at least one Club. Otherwise, you may be in for a rude shock. One thumb up -- one thumb down!

Another writes: "We like to play Hearts without the Moon! Nothing is more frustrating than to have a won game stolen away by an opponent's Moon. It is a great relief to play this variation and not worry about who might be shooting or what the stopping card is -- and no one yells at you because you did not pass a Heart or you let someone reach the Moon after you dumped a key high card."

My comment: What we have here is the old "duck and dump" game. Without the Moon, there is no tension in the game, and the luck of the deal decides the outcome. Everyone simply passes their high Hearts/Spades, or killer cards in the other suits, and ducks, ducks, ducks! The game becomes very sterile and an exercise in following suit or dumping big cards. Two thumbs down!

Keep those cards and letters coming! See you next month!