Hearts (Two-Player)
Also known as: 2 player hearts, hearts for two, Black Lady
Avoid hearts. Dodge the Queen of Spades. Or collect them all and watch your opponent's score explode.
Sign in to rate this game
What You'll Need
About This Game
A trick-avoidance game where you're trying NOT to win hearts or the Queen of Spades. The two-player variant uses a modified deal and a shared kitty. Shooting the Moon flips the whole game on its head.
How to Play
**Setup:** Remove all 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s from the deck, leaving 28 cards. Deal 13 to each player. The remaining 2 cards form a face-down kitty.
**Passing:** Before play begins, each player passes 3 cards to the other.
**Play:** Player with the lowest club leads the first trick. Follow suit if you can. Hearts can't be led until broken. The kitty cards go to whoever wins the last trick.
**Scoring:** Each heart = 1 point. Queen of Spades = 13 points. Lower scores are better.
**Shooting the Moon:** If one player takes ALL hearts AND the Queen of Spades in a single hand, they score 0 and their opponent gets 26 points.
**Winning:** Play continues over multiple hands. The player with the FEWER points when someone passes 100 points wins.
History & Background
Hearts evolved from a family of trick-avoidance games popular in Spain and France since the 1700s. The American version with the Queen of Spades penalty (originally called "Black Lady") became widely popular in the early 1900s. Microsoft Windows included Hearts in Windows 3.1 (1992), which introduced the game to millions of people who had never played with physical cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Hearts (Two-Player) with 2 players?
Yes, Hearts (Two-Player) can be played with 2 players. While it can work well with larger groups too, a two-player game is definitely doable and enjoyable.
What changes when playing Hearts (Two-Player) with 2 players?
With 2 players, Hearts (Two-Player) plays a bit differently than with a full group. Expect more direct competition, less downtime between turns, and a slightly different strategic feel. Some players prefer the intimacy of a two-player session; others miss the chaos of a bigger group.
How long does Hearts (Two-Player) take to play?
A typical game of Hearts (Two-Player) takes about 20-30 min. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Hearts (Two-Player)?
To play Hearts (Two-Player), you need: Standard 52-card deck. That's it â no special equipment required.
Similar Games
Poker
CardThe ultimate game of skill, strategy, and psychology
Rummy
CardMaster the perfect blend of luck and strategy in this timeless classicâdraw, discard, and outmaneuver your opponent to claim victory in thrilling head-to-head Rummy matches.
Blackjack (Two-Player)
CardGo head-to-head in the ultimate card duelâoutsmart your opponent to hit 21 without busting in this fast-paced, high-stakes two-player adaptation of the casino classic.
Cribbage
CardMaster the perfect blend of strategy and luck in this classic two-player card game where every discard, play, and peg counts.
Speed
CardNo waiting for your turnâboth players play simultaneously in this adrenaline-fueled race to empty their hands first. Pure reflex and speed decide the winner in just minutes.
Egyptian Rat Screw
CardLightning-fast reflexes meet strategic card play in this high-octane slapping game where you'll battle for control of the pile with pattern recognition and split-second timing.
Spit
CardRace your opponent in this lightning-fast card game where quick reflexes and sharp strategy collide. Empty your hand first while battling for control of the center piles in this thrilling two-player s
Double Solitaire
CardRace your opponent in real-time solitaire mayhem where you're both building the same foundationsâstrategic card play meets frantic competition in this fast-paced twist on a classic.
Explore More Games
Discover the most popular two-player games or browse by category.