How to play Hearts with 3 players

Updated: Aug 22, 2023

Table of contents

1. Setup
2. Card Rankings and Objective
3. Passing cards
4. Gameplay
5. Scoring
6. Strategy

Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game that usually involves four players, but did you know that it can be just as exciting with three players? In this guide, we will explore the rules and variations of playing Hearts with 3 people, providing a step-by-step explanation of setup, gameplay, scoring, and strategy.

Discover the unique dynamics and challenges of this lesser-known version of the game and learn how to master the art of avoiding the dreaded Queen of Spades!

1. Setup

Hearts with 3 players follows most of the standard rules, but it requires a few adjustments to accommodate the odd number of players. Use a standard 52-card deck with all four suits: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades. Before dealing, remove the 2 of Diamonds from the deck, leaving 51 cards. Deal seventeen cards to each player.

2. Card Rankings and Objective

The card rankings in the 3-player Hearts remain unchanged. Suit rankings are Ace (highest) to Two (lowest). There is no trump suit in the game. The 2 of Clubs starts the first trick, and players must follow the lead suit if possible. Hearts and the Queen of Spades can be played only after the first trick. The objective is to avoid taking any tricks that contain Hearts cards and, most importantly, the Queen of Spades.

3. Passing cards

One of the distinctive features of the Hearts rules for 3 players is the change of the passing phase. Before starting the game, players engage in a passing phase in every round, passing three cards to other players in a predetermined rotation. In the first round, each player passes three cards face down to the player on their left. In the second round, they pass three cards to the player on their right. This rotation continues throughout the game.

4. Gameplay

The play is the same as the regular game of Hearts:

The player holding the 2 of Clubs starts the first trick by playing that card.
In the following tricks, players must follow the lead suit if possible. If they cannot, they can play any card, including Hearts and the Queen of Spades.
The highest card of the lead suit wins the trick and the player takes the cards to their trick pile.
The player who wins the trick leads the next one.
Continue playing tricks until all cards are used.

Players must carefully strategize their moves, trying to avoid capturing Hearts or the Queen of Spades while forcing opponents to take these high-scoring cards.

5. Scoring

After each round, players count the points in the tricks they’ve taken. Hearts score 1 point each, and the Queen of Spades scores 13 points. Players should keep track of their scores round by round, aiming to minimize the number of points they accumulate.

6. Strategy

Playing Hearts with 3 players requires a different approach compared to the traditional four-player version. With fewer opponents, the ability to predict the flow of the game increases, and the strategic importance of passing cards becomes more pronounced. Players should aim to pass high-value cards like the Queen of Spades to their opponents. Additionally, bluffing and card counting play a vital role in gaining an edge over your opponents.

Hearts with 3 players offers an exciting twist on the classic card game, providing unique challenges and strategic opportunities. As you become familiar with the dynamics of this variation, you’ll discover the perfect balance between avoiding penalties and accumulating points. Gather two friends, deal the cards, and embark on a thrilling journey to become the master of Hearts with three players!

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About
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