The Dirty Hearts Card Game Guide

Dirty Hearts is a variation of the standard version of Hearts game but with a little twist. While the main objective of avoiding Heart suit cards, Dirty Hearts adds new rules. However, the rules are only half of the story. The main difference lies in the Dirty version is all about being played with two full decks.

You can safely slough off any old card when you’re void of a suit lead in classic Hearts. Dirty Hearts doesn’t allow this. You are forced to follow with any card in your hand except Queen of Spades or a Heart. If you're tired of regular Hearts, you should try its Dirty version.

Here, you will learn about Dirty Hearts variation and its tricky rules.

Classic Hearts vs. Dirty Hearts — Main Rule Changes

Although the object of the game in Classic and Dirty variations is to be the player with the lowest score when the game ends, there are still several aspects that make Dirty different. One big difference is that Dirty Hearts uses 2 decks instead of one.

In Hearts, the game ends when one player hits the predetermined agreed-upon score or higher (usually 100 points). Hearts game is for three to five players and a standard 52-card deck.

The Essential Rules of Dirty Hearts

In Dirty Hearts, each player starts with 13 cards. It follows standard passing rules where three cards are passed to the left on the first turn, three cards to the right on the second turn, and three more to a person across the table given there are four players. However, the gameplay and scoring system differ.

Players are not obliged to start with three of Spades. It makes Dirty Hearts’ gameplay less harsh on rules and allows for more open-game strategies. The passing rule can also be neglected, with each round passing cards at random.

The Twisted Passing Rule

Passing in Dirty Hearts happens randomly. Players still pass 3 cards, but they don’t necessarily have to pass left. This unpredictability drives everyone insane as they have to think harder about what cards they would like to pass or keep.

The first player to move decides the direction. The last player clears the cards as soon as all players pass.

Dirty Penalty Cards

Penalty is associated with Heart suit and the Queen of Spades in regular Hearts games. However, in Dirty Hearts, other cards can carry a penalty, too. For example, the Queen of Spades is worth 26 points, while other Queens score 13 points each.

The "Dirty Moon" Rule

The “Dirty Moon” rule is the same classic “Shooting the Moon” in Hearts. If a player manages to collect Queen of Spades and every penalty card, they instantly win. This play is risky but can result in an instant win.

Winning Conditions

In a standard Hearts game, a player loses when they reach 100 points. Dirty Hearts took this rule to the extreme. Instead of a set point threshold, the last player with the lowest score wins. This “last man standing” concept forces players to battle against everyone.

With points adding up quicker due to additional penalty cards, players get eliminated faster. They have to balance attacking opponents with penalty cards and avoiding penalties themselves.

Dirty Hearts Strategies

There are several Dirty Hearts Strategies every player should know about:

• Discard your worst cards early in the game.
• Try winning the first trick.
• Lose cards of one or two specific suits.
• Hold onto the Black Maria aka Queen of Spades until a player leads a heart card trick.

You should hold Ace of Clubs until you can lead with it. The Ace secures the important opening trick. If you don’t have the Ace, play your highest Club.

Another strategy is holding to the Queen of Spades. Hold to it till someone leads with a Heart. By doing so, you will spare yourself from the dreaded 13 points of penalty and win the hand. Even if you have to take hearts at first, you most definitely won’t lose the round.

Challenge Your Friends to Dirty Hearts!

Dirty Hearts is a Hearts variation not for the faint-hearted. From extraordinary double-deck to extra penalty — this Heart variation has it all to spice up the game. You should try it with your friends next time you play Hearts together.