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Step 1
Use the included game tutorial. For those not already savvy to the game, Hardwood Hearts includes a guide to the rules of Hearts that newbies can read up on before venturing into their first game.
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Step 2
Choose partners or individual play. If you are playing alone against the computer, it makes the most sense to play singles, or every player for themselves. If you have an online group, partners (like the way the game was traditionally played) may be possible.
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Step 3
Don't get confused by the unusual inverse goal of Hearts. You DON'T want to collect hearts cards, you want to give them away to other players. In other games, like spades, the object is to collect hands with the trump suit, but in hearts, it's the opposite.
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Step 4
Go to Xbox Live for online play. You can play against online opponents in both ranked and unranked games. Before you do so, make sure you have the rules down; some online players don't appreciate an unranked opponent who doesn't know how to play.
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Step 5
Experiment with backgrounds and music. Hardwood Hearts does offer limited options for backgrounds, and some music that might either enhance the game, or become annoying during long sessions.
