Hearts is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by players for generations. This game is easy to learn but can be challenging to master, especially when it comes to keeping track of points. In this article, we’ll guide you through the scoring system in Hearts and show you how to keep track of points during the game.
Point Values
In Hearts, there are two types of cards that are worth points:
- The Queen of Spades: 13 points
- Each Heart: 1 point
At the end of each hand, players count the points they have taken and add them to their total score. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game is the winner.
Keeping Score
To keep track of the score in Hearts, players typically use a piece of paper or a scorecard. Each player’s score is recorded after each hand.
At the beginning of the game, each player starts with a score of 0. After each hand, the players count the points they have taken and add them to their total score. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game is the winner.
Scoring Variations
There are many variations of Hearts, each with their own unique scoring systems. Here are a few popular variations:
- Shooting the Moon: If a player takes all of the Hearts and the Queen of Spades in a single hand, they “shoot the moon” and score 26 points, while all other players score 0 points for that hand. If a player attempts to shoot the moon but does not take all of the required cards, they score the usual points for the cards they have taken, plus 26 points for attempting to shoot the moon.
- Jack of Diamonds: In some variations of Hearts, the Jack of Diamonds is worth -10 points.
- Passing Cards: In some variations of Hearts, players pass a certain number of cards to each other before each hand. The points for the cards that are passed are subtracted from the player’s score at the end of the game.
Online Scoring
If you’re playing Hearts online, the scoring is usually automated. The website or app will keep track of the points for each player and update the score after each hand. This makes it easy to focus on the game and not worry about keeping track of the score.
Conclusion
Scoring in Hearts can be a bit tricky, especially for beginners. But with practice and experience, you’ll quickly become familiar with the point values and how to keep track of the score. So why not grab a deck of cards and give it a try? Whether you’re playing with friends or online, there’s always something new to discover in this timeless game.
