Question 1

Can I play Hearts free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This Arcadia game is free single player Hearts against three computer opponents.

Question 2

What are the basic Hearts card game rules?

Accepted Answer

Follow suit when possible, let the highest card of the led suit take the trick, and avoid hearts and the queen of spades. The lowest total wins when a completed hand takes any player to at least 100.

Question 3

Which way do I pass cards?

Accepted Answer

Pass three left, then three right, then three across. Keep all your cards on the fourth hand. The cycle then repeats.

Question 4

Who leads the first trick?

Accepted Answer

The player holding the two of clubs must lead that card, including after the pass.

Question 5

Can I play points on the first trick?

Accepted Answer

Only if you have no other legal card. You must still follow clubs if you have one. If you cannot follow clubs and hold a non point card, discard that instead of a heart or the queen of spades.

Question 6

Does the queen of spades break hearts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in Arcadia either a heart or the queen of spades breaks hearts. You may lead hearts afterward. Before then, you may lead a heart only if your remaining hand is all hearts.

Question 7

What does shooting the moon do?

Accepted Answer

Capture all 26 points to add 0 to your own score and 26 to each opponent. There is no choice of an alternative score adjustment here.

Question 8

How do the difficulty levels work?

Accepted Answer

Easy, Medium and Hard change how often a computer opponent uses its card selection strategy. Every level sees only its own hand and public play. Medium is the default.