Standard Hearts (Recap)

Before exploring variants, here’s what “standard” Hearts includes:

  • 4 players, 13 cards each
  • Hearts = 1 point each, Queen of Spades = 13 points
  • Card passing (Left, Right, Across, Hold)
  • Hearts can’t be led until broken
  • Shooting the moon = give 26 points to all opponents (or subtract 26 from your score)
  • No first-trick hearts or Queen

Most online versions and this site use these standard rules.

Omnibus Hearts

The most popular variant. Adds one simple rule:

The Jack of Diamonds is worth −10 points (you want to take it).

How It Changes the Game

  • Players now have a reason to actively win the trick containing J♦
  • Diamond tricks become contested — you want the Jack but not any hearts dumped alongside it
  • Creates push-pull tension: avoid hearts, seek the Jack
  • Moon shooting now requires all 13 hearts, the Queen of Spades, and the Jack of Diamonds

Strategy Adjustments

  • Keep high diamonds to capture the Jack
  • Don’t void diamonds in the pass if you can help it
  • Watch who’s holding onto diamonds — they may be targeting the Jack

Black Maria

A British variant with a harsher penalty structure.

Key Differences

Rule Standard Hearts Black Maria
Queen of Spades 13 points 13 points
King of Spades 0 points 10 points
Ace of Spades 0 points 7 points
Card passing Yes No
Hearts leading restriction Yes No

How It Changes the Game

  • Three dangerous spade cards instead of one
  • No passing means you must play the hand you’re dealt
  • Hearts can be led anytime — no “breaking” mechanic
  • Much more punishing — total possible penalty is 43 points (13 hearts + 13 + 10 + 7)

Strategy Adjustments

  • Spades become the most dangerous suit overall
  • Low spades are premium defensive cards
  • Without passing, hand evaluation is critical from the start

Cancellation Hearts

Designed for 5-7 players using two decks shuffled together.

Key Rules

  • Two full decks = 104 cards
  • Cards dealt evenly (extras go to a kitty that goes to the first trick winner)
  • When two identical cards appear in the same trick, they cancel each other out
  • If all played cards cancel, the trick’s cards carry over to the next trick

How It Changes the Game

  • Much larger game with more chaos
  • Cancellation creates unpredictable trick outcomes
  • The Queen of Spades can cancel herself — if both Queens appear in the same trick, neither counts
  • Suits are harder to void with so many cards

Spot Hearts

A simple scoring variant:

Each heart is worth its face value instead of 1 point:

  • 2♥ = 2 points, 3♥ = 3 points… 10♥ = 10 points
  • J♥ = 11, Q♥ = 12, K♥ = 13, A♥ = 14
  • Queen of Spades still = 13 (or sometimes 25)

How It Changes the Game

  • High hearts are much more dangerous than low hearts
  • Taking the A♥ is now 14 penalty points vs. just 1
  • Strategy shifts toward avoiding high hearts specifically
  • Total heart penalty rises to 104 (vs. 13 in standard)

Partnership Hearts

Hearts played as 2 vs 2 (partners sit across from each other):

Key Rules

  • Partners’ scores are combined
  • No passing (or pass only to opponents)
  • Partners can strategize to help each other
  • Shooting the moon can be done by either partner

How It Changes the Game

  • Adds a partnership dynamic similar to Spades
  • Communication through play becomes important
  • One partner can take points to protect the other
  • Changes the game from free-for-all to team competition

Joker Hearts

Adds the Joker as the highest heart:

Key Rules

  • Joker is added to the deck (one player gets 14 cards)
  • Joker counts as a heart, worth 5 points (varies by house rules)
  • Joker beats any heart, including the Ace
  • Required for shooting the moon if in play

How It Changes the Game

  • An extra high-value penalty card
  • The Joker holder is in a tricky position
  • Adds one more card to track and worry about

Choosing a Variant

Variant Best For Complexity
Standard Classic 4-player game Medium
Omnibus Adding depth with the bonus Jack Medium+
Black Maria Harsher, more punishing play Medium+
Cancellation 5-7 players High
Spot Hearts More differentiated scoring Low change
Partnership Team play Medium
Joker Extra wildcard element Low change

Most players should master standard Hearts first, then explore variants for variety.