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Partnership Hearts
A most challenging and enjoyable format is the "doubles" game, often called Partnership Hearts. There are two types: the Original Variation, and the Modern Variation. The latter is most frequently played in Zone.com. The procedural rules are the same: The opening lead is the Deuce of Clubs; there is no "painting" the first trick; Hearts may not be led until the Spade Queen or a Heart has been discarded; and the Spade Queen "breaks" hearts. The pass rotation is the same -- Left, Across, Right, and a "Keeper" (hold) hand. Game limit is 100 points.
Two persons play as a team, or partnership, as in Spades, Bridge, or Euchre. Points taken by either member of the same team count toward that team's score. Thus, the tally is maintained for each team -- usually designated as "We" and "They." In the Modern Game, a "Moon" can be made only by one member of a team; in the Original Game, both partners can combine their points on the same hand, and if they take all 26 points (in any one of several possible ways), it is credited as a "Moon." Zone.com software allows for the individual game only; thus, when Partnership Hearts is played, it is necessary to track the combined scores of both players on a given team. Another peculiarity is the fact that when a player Shoots the Moon in the Modern Game, the 26 points are added to the scores of the other three players (including his partner!). Thus, one has to be careful, and aware of the score and ramifications of a "Moon."
There is a lot of strategy in this game. It is almost a forced requirement to pass a low or middle Heart when passing to the Left or Right. However, when passing to partner, it is always a good idea to dump a three-card Club or Diamond suit. Some teams have a convention to unload Hearts (only) or Spades (only) when passing across. It can really become quite confusing if the members of the same team do not work harmoniously. Capturing the first Heart is essential; defending against Moons is critical, and placing the Spade Queen is very important.
The Original Game played in live events is replete with nuances. To begin with, the scoring is quite simple. If your side "shoots," the opponents are nailed with 26 points -- period! (Remember it is "We" and "They" only.) Secondly, there is a score subtraction option for a "Moon" if either team is at 74 (or more) points. Thirdly, the "keeper," or hold, hand can be deleted, and the pass rotation of Left, Across, and Right (only) applies. Finally, the "Moon" can be made in several ways -- by either member of the team single-handedly, or by both partners working together. The defense must endeavor to grab that first Heart, and avoid losing exchanges. The same technique for Across passes still applies, and it is best that each person on the Team work out some sort of system for this instance.
One of the most beautiful hands ever observed in any Hearts game was witnessed at a "live" partnership tournament by yours truly. The variation was the Modern Game, and the partners could combine for a "Moon." This hand is a rare example of a "Vienna Coup," a play usually seen in Bridge and a true squeeze prepared deliberately by cashing a winner to establish a master card in the opponent's hand. Then the card is "squeezed" out of the enemy hand.
The Vienna Coup
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| After a Pass to the left, the Deuce of Clubs was led, and it went to the King, Jack, and 6. South now tabled the Diamond 10, which was followed by the 7, King, and Jack. North cashed the Club Queen, as East dropped the tenspot, and South let go of the 8. North next led his Spade 9 to South's Jack, as East played low. The Ace of Clubs won the next trick, as West shed the 6 of Diamonds; North released a low Heart, and East let go of the 3 of Clubs. The 6 of Spades was the following lead, and West heaved the 10 of Hearts, leaving his Queen still guarded. North stepped up with the Spade Ace, and made the wonderfully intuitive play of a low Heart. South grabbed the Ace and King, as West dropped his two low spots (East's discards were immaterial). Ignoring the good Queen of Hearts in the West hand, South shifted to his last Spade. West dropped a low Diamond. North won with the King, and now played the Queen of Spades! All East could do is dump anything with his "dead" hand. South dropped the 7 of Hearts, and West let go of another small Diamond. Thus, we came to this position:
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| North played his last Spade, the 3. East dropped a meaningless Club, and South unblocked the Jack of Hearts. West was now stuck with a Hobson's choice. If he ditched a low Diamond, then South was sure to win the Ace and 9. On the other side of the coin, if West dropped his high Heart, then North's 9 of Hearts would now be a winner. (The lead of this Heart would allow South to drop his low Diamond -- clearing the way for the "Moon.") The Vienna Coup is extremely rare in Hearts -- applicable only to the Original Partnership Variation. (Compare to the "Soderlund Squeeze " as posted in an earlier column.)
The two most gifted and skilled Partnership Hearts players on Zone.com are "Lady Lauren" and "Tybee Dave."
Try this game -- you will like it! | |
