Hearts, also known as Copas, is a classic trick‑taking game played with a standard 52‑card deck and no trump suits. At the start, all cards are dealt to 3‑7 players, who then try to avoid taking hearts—each worth one point—and the dreaded Queen of Spades, worth thirteen points. The main goal is to finish the match with the lowest total score after several rounds.

Gameplay is straightforward: the player left of the dealer leads the first trick, and everyone follows clockwise, attempting to beat the lead card. The winner of the trick collects the cards; if any hearts or the Queen of Spades are among them, the corresponding penalty points are added to that player’s score. A fun twist is the "shoot the moon" maneuver, where a player captures all hearts and the Queen in a single round. Depending on the house rule, the shooter can either add 26 points to each opponent or subtract 26 from his own total.

Hearts blends memory (recalling which cards have been played), risk management (deciding when to gamble on taking bad cards), and classic take‑that interaction, as forcing an opponent to collect points directly penalizes them. Turn order is stat‑based: the trick winner leads the next round, so the sequence shifts according to who is currently ahead.

Rounds typically last 20‑30 minutes, making Hearts a quick yet engaging filler, while still sparking heated debates over who should attempt a moon shot. It’s perfect for groups that enjoy traditional card games with a competitive edge and a dash of humor. If you love trick‑taking without trumps and the thrill of watching opponents pile up unwanted points, Hearts will win you over fast.