Unique Variations of Hearts Card Game

Even more ways to play Hearts with alternate rules.

In our previous edition of Heart rule variations, we addressed a number of common ways to mix up the rules, either a little or a lot. We talked about playing Hearts with a Kitty and the utilization of more unique passing cycles. We also covered how to play Hearts with partnerships, and variant rules for 3 or 5 player games.

Today, we’re going to get a bit more radical, discussing a few less common variations—some so different they actually go by alternate names. If you’re getting bored with the original game and really want to spice things up, maybe one of these options will better suit your group.

Unique Hearts Rule Variations

The following list describes a few of the more intricate and interesting variations of the game. These alternate descriptions assume that you already know how to play the game by traditional rules. If not, or if you need a refresher, please refer to our original instruction:

• How to Play Hearts Card Game

Dirty Lady, Slippery Bitch

This is the British version of Hearts, also known in some places as Black Maria. It can be played by 4 players, using the usual dealing sequence, but is most often enjoyed by 3 players, with the 2C removed and 17 cards dealt to each.

In Dirty Lady, Slippery Bitch, cards are always passed to the right (no cycling, mixing or scattering). The player left of the dealer will always lead to the first trick, and may lead any card they wish, even a heart.

There are three ways to go about scoring:

1 point per Heart, 13 points for Q♠ (total 26)

1 point per Heart, 13 points for Q♠, 10 points for K♠, 7 points for A♠ (total 43)

Pip value for Hearts 2-10 (see Spot Hearts below), 10 points for Hearts J-K, 15 points for A♥, 25 points for Q♠ (increase target score from 100 to 500).

Spot Hearts

In this variation, the rules are the same, but scoring is different. Instead of 1 point per heart, all hearts are worth their pip value. The 2♥ = 2 points, 3♥ = 3 points, and so on through 10. The Jack, Queen, King and Ace are worth 1, 12, 13 and 14 respectively. Or, some groups will score face card hearts as 10, and the Ace as 15. Either way, the Q♠ points increase to 25, and the target score increases to 500.

Cancellation Hearts

This unique variation of Hearts is designed for a larger group of 6-10 players. It requires two 52-card decks shuffled together. Each player receives an equal amount of cards, with any remaining cards going into a kitty. The player left of the dealer leads first with any card of his/her choosing. The player to catch the first trick takes the kitty and all points therein.

The name Cancellation Hearts refers to the result if two identical cards are played on the same trick. These two cards cancel each other out. If a spade is led, and two Ace of Spades are played to the trick, they cancel out. The next highest spade wins it.

If no other card is played of the leading suit, other than canceling cards, the trick stays on the table. The same player will lead the next trick. The player to win that trick will take both tricks. If no one wins the last trick of the hand, the player who won the previous trick wins it.

Dirty Nasty Filthy Hearts

Our last and most hellish Hearts variation is called Dirty Nasty Filthy Hearts, because there are so many awful high-point cards that can be caught, plus a single good one to help offset. Scoring is as follows:

Hearts = +1 point each

Queen of Spades = +26

All other Queens = +13

Jack of Diamonds = -10

Shooting the Moon = Instant win!

With so many dirty, nasty bitches (queens) out there, the target score increases to 300. After the cut, the dealer will call how cards are passed for the ensuing hand. It could be to the left, to the right, across, scatter pass, or a mix (aka Shittin’ In the Kitty), wherein all players pass 3 cards to the center, they all get mixed up and dealt out again, 3 to each player.

The first trick is led by the player with the 2♣. This first trick is called ‘The Calm‘, in which no points can be played. If no non-scoring cards of the led suit are available to play, you must play something else.