With the celebration of Valentine’s Day this month, what could be more appropriate than the game of Hearts?
In the game of Hearts, your goal is to collect all the points, or none at all. With 3 to 6 players, this can be a tricky thing to do. Using a standard deck of playing cards, each heart is worth one point and the Queen of Spades is worth 13!
Since 13 is considered an unlucky number, it is most advisable not to collect the Queen of Spades unless you can get all the hearts to go along with her… this is where the strategy comes into play!
Although this game is supposed to be played quietly with a poker face, we McFies do it differently. Incorporating various sound effects or songs to frighten, amuse or confuse our opponents as cards are played, this game is a far cry from quiet!
The recommended age for this game is 13+, but with a little help, children 5 and 6 years of age can grasp the strategy behind this game. With younger players a shorter, more relaxed version of the game can be enjoyed.
For directions on how to play Hearts, see: https://www.bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/hearts/
-By Gracine McFie