Hearts Tips and Strategies

Hearts Column of the Month – November 2002

By Joe Andrews

2002 Grand Prix Nationals
A small, but spirited, group of Hearts enthusiasts gathered in Cincinnati, OH over the October 18-20 weekend for the Fourth National Hearts Championship.

Participants included Jennifer B. (Zone.com qualifier), Steve I., Kevin K., Tim K., Pat K., Harriet “Scorpion” A., Edith B., Pat M., and Gardner C. After 8 preliminary rounds, and a lively Finals, Tim K., of Columbus, OH emerged as the 2002 National Winner. Well done, Tim!

October Quiz Results
The Endplay

This hand was presented:

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

The pass is completed; it is the first hand of the game. The Club deuce lead is taken by East's King, as South plays the 10, and West drops the 7. East shifts to the Spade 8, drawing the 6, 9 and 7. West opens the Diamonds with the Jack, followed by the Queen and King, and a low spot. East clears his Spade suit, and West is in with the Jack. Now what?

The solution: West now plays the 5 of Clubs. If everyone follows, the hand is "cold" for a Moon, as the return of any suit (other than Hearts) is forced. If one player holds 5 Clubs, and another has a Club void, the hand collapses for West, if a Heart is discarded. This is a very unlikely scenario. Additionally, West's hand is so weak that he must try for the endplay.

The winners of the quiz were: D. Hummell and A. Russo

Congratulations!

Hearts Variations II
Several months ago, this column featured some rather interesting Hearts variations. Here are a few more submitted by Avery K., and Sheila J.

1. If anyone's score (in a 100 point game) reaches exactly 71, it is reset to zero.

2. If playing three-handed Hearts, the pass should consist of 4 cards.

3. If playing three-handed Hearts, leave 1 card in the "kitty". The winner of the first trick, wins the "kitty". (and does not have to disclose the card taken).

4. If playing with 6 or more players, use 2 decks. Two equal (suit and rank) cards on the same trick, cancel each other out. Thus, it possible to take 2 Spade Queens with the lead of the deuce of Spades!

5. In a four-handed game, a pass of 4, 5 or 6 cards is permitted. Multiple direction passes are always an interesting alternative.

6. Create a second "Spade" Queen by designating the Queen of Clubs as a penalty card of 13 points.

7. Remove the "Moon" from the game, and create a version called "Duck and Dump".

8. Try "reverse" Hearts, in which the point cards are good, and the first player to score 100 points wins the game!

9. If a player takes no tricks for a given hand, he/she deducts 5 points from his/her score.

10. Hearts may be led before a Heart or the Spade Queen has been discarded.

If you can think of any more, send an e-mail to heartsmoon@aol.com.