How to Win in Microsoft Hearts
"Microsoft Hearts," a free version of the classic "Hearts" card game, is installed on the majority of Microsoft operating systems. You win by collecting the fewest points throughout the game. Each card in the heart suit is worth one point, and the queen of spades is worth 13 points. The highest card played in the original suit played takes the hand, and any subsequent points from heart cards or the queen of spades. The game ends when one of the four players scores 100 of more points.
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Instructions
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Trade away three cards. At the start of most hands, you trade three cards to another hearts player. Give away high cards such as Aces, Kings and Queens. If you only have three cards in one suit, trade those away. Try to keep a high hearts card, such as the Ace or King. This strategy can give you control of the game and add points to other players.
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Play quickly through one suit, preferably the one with the least amount of cards. This helps you "break" hearts, and doing this first can give you a strategic advantage. It will help you avoid taking points later in the game. If you do not have any cards in the suit played by the other players, play any heart card.
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Play the highest cards in each suit first. Keep just one high heart card (Jack, Queen, King or Ace) so other players do not "shoot the moon" (see warnings).
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Observe each card in the pile. Keep a mental note about which cards each player lays down. For example, you might notice a player does not have a particular suit of cards anymore. If you lead with that suit and have the highest card played, you could be forced to take points in the form of hearts or the queen of spades.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid excessive attempts to "shoot the moon," where you intentionally try to get all the hearts and the queen of spades. If it works, you can force all of the other players to take 26 points while you take none. However, if you miscalculate the cards in your opponent's hands, you could end up with too many points.
