Learn and Practice Leading Rules in Hearts

More Detail

Hearts has special restrictions on leading. The player with the 2 of Clubs always leads the first trick. Hearts cannot be led until they have been 'broken' - meaning a heart has been played on a previous trick. Once hearts are broken, they can be led freely.

Why This Matters

The 'hearts broken' rule creates tension early in the round. Players must wait for someone to discard a heart before hearts can be led. This often happens when someone is void in another suit and takes the opportunity to dump hearts.

Key Rules to Remember

• The 2♣ always leads the first trick of each round
• You cannot lead hearts until hearts have been 'broken'
• Hearts are broken when any heart is played (usually as a discard)
• Once broken, hearts can be led for the rest of the round