Hearts (1850)

Hearts is an “evasion-type” trick-taking playing card game for four players, although most variations can accommodate between three and six players. The game likely originated from Reversis, which became popular around 1750 in Spain, and later evolved into “Four Jacks” in the United States. Hearts emerged as a no-trump, trick-taking game for four players using a full pack of cards, with the aim of avoiding taking any hearts in tricks. The basic format has changed little since its inception.

Origins

The game has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century in Spain and later in the United States.

Evasion-type gameplay

Players aim to avoid taking tricks containing hearts, adding an interesting twist to the game.

Skill and strategy

Hearts is a game of skill and surprising subtleties, requiring players to select discards wisely and arrange to win clean tricks early.

Versatility

The game can be played with various numbers of players by adjusting the deck of cards and passes.

Game Components of Hearts

– Standard 52-card deck
– Four players (can accommodate between three and six players)

Game Setup of Hearts

– Each player is dealt a hand of cards.
– The first player leads by playing a card.
– Players follow suit, with the highest card of the same suit winning the trick.
– Players discard their cards and draw new ones for the next round.

Gameplay Mechanics of Hearts

– Players aim to avoid taking tricks containing hearts.
– The game is played in rounds, with each round consisting of several tricks.
– Players must follow suit when possible, but can choose to play a heart if it would help them avoid taking a trick.

Game Objective of Hearts

The goal is to avoid taking any hearts in tricks.Players score points for taking hearts, and the game ends when one player reaches a predetermined number of points.

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