# How Passing Three Cards Works in Hearts: Step-by-Step Guide
Passing three cards is an important part of the setup in many versions of the Hearts card game. Before the first trick begins, each player selects three cards from their hand and passes them to another player. This simple step can influence the entire round because players can remove dangerous cards, improve their suit distribution, or prepare for a particular strategy.
Although the basic procedure is straightforward, beginners sometimes confuse the passing direction or forget that the cards are exchanged simultaneously. Understanding the sequence makes it easier to prepare for the first trick.
1. What Does Passing Three Cards Mean in Hearts?
In a common four-player Hearts game, each player receives 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck.
Before play begins, players usually choose three cards to pass to another player. The direction depends on the current round in the passing sequence.
The purpose is to exchange unwanted or risky cards while adjusting the strength and shape of your hand.
For example, a player holding several high Spades may decide to pass one or more of them because the Queen of Spades can create a major scoring risk.
The exact strategy depends on the cards in the hand and the direction of the pass.
2. Step One: Receive and Review Your 13 Cards
After the dealer distributes the cards, take time to examine your entire hand.
Look at:
- High cards in each suit.
- The number of cards in each suit.
- Whether you hold the Queen of Spades.
- Whether you have the Ace or King of Spades.
- Low Hearts and possible void suits.
- Cards that may help you avoid taking penalty points.
A void suit means you have no cards of that suit. Creating or keeping a void can sometimes be useful because it may allow you to discard a Heart or the Queen of Spades when that suit is led.
However, having a void can also create risks if you are forced to take a trick with another suit.
3. Step Two: Identify the Passing Direction
In the common four-round passing sequence, the direction changes from round to round:
1. First hand: Pass three cards to the left.
2. Second hand: Pass three cards to the right.
3. Third hand: Pass three cards across to the opposite player.
4. Fourth hand: Keep your cards; no passing takes place.
After these four rounds, the sequence repeats.
The direction is important because a card that is risky to pass to one opponent may be less dangerous to pass to another, depending on the table situation.
Always confirm the direction before selecting cards.
4. Step Three: Choose Three Cards to Pass
Each player selects exactly three cards from their hand.
There is no universal rule requiring particular cards to be passed. The choice is strategic.
Common cards players consider passing include:
- High Spades, especially the Ace or King, when holding the Queen of Spades is a concern.
- The Queen of Spades, when the player wants to transfer its risk.
- High Hearts, which may make it easier to win tricks containing penalty points.
- High cards in a suit where the player has several alternatives.
However, passing the Queen of Spades is not always the best choice. A player may prefer to keep it if they have a strong Spade holding that gives them control over when it is played.
The right decision depends on the complete hand, not just one card.
5. Step Four: Pass the Cards Face Down
Once all players have selected three cards, they place them face down and pass them in the required direction.
All players normally pass at the same time.
Do not reveal your selected cards before the exchange is complete. Keeping the exchange simultaneous prevents players from adjusting their choices after seeing what someone else has passed.
**Example:**
Four players are seated around a table:
- Player A passes three cards to Player B.
- Player B passes three cards to Player C.
- Player C passes three cards to Player D.
- Player D passes three cards to Player A.
Each player gives away three cards and receives three cards from another player.
6. Step Five: Add the Received Cards to Your Hand
After receiving the three cards, add them to your remaining ten cards.
You now have 13 cards again.
Take a moment to review the new hand. The cards you receive may change your original plan.
For example, you might have passed several high Spades to reduce your risk, but receive the Queen of Spades from another player.
You must now adjust your strategy based on the new hand.
The passing exchange does not guarantee a safer hand. It changes the cards available to every player.
7. Worked Example: Passing High Spades
Suppose your original hand contains:
- Ace of Spades
- King of Spades
- 8 of Spades
- 4 of Spades
- Several low cards in other suits
You do not hold the Queen of Spades.
The Ace and King may be dangerous because they can win a Spade trick containing the Queen of Spades.
One possible decision is to pass the Ace and King, along with another high card that could force you to win a penalty trick.
However, this strategy has a drawback: removing too many Spades may leave you with fewer ways to control the suit.
The decision should depend on your other cards and the passing direction.
8. Worked Example: Creating a Void Suit
Imagine you hold only one Club, the 3 of Clubs, along with several cards in Hearts, Diamonds, and Spades.
You may consider passing away your only Club if your goal is to create a void.
After the exchange, if you receive no Clubs, you will have no cards in that suit.
This can be useful because when Clubs are led, you may be able to discard a Heart or another unwanted card.
However, creating a void is not always beneficial. You may lose the ability to follow Clubs and could be forced to take a trick containing penalty cards.
Consider the entire hand before making this choice.
9. What Happens During the Keep Round?
In the fourth round of the usual passing sequence, players do not exchange cards.
Each player keeps their original 13-card hand and prepares for the first trick.
This round is often called the hold or keep round.
It is important because players cannot remove difficult cards through passing. They must plan how to manage their hand during normal play.
For beginners, the keep round is a useful opportunity to practice reading suit distribution and identifying possible risks.
10. Common Passing Mistakes in Hearts
**Passing in the wrong direction:** Always confirm whether the round requires passing left, right, or across.
**Passing fewer or more than three cards:** In the common format, each player must pass exactly three cards.
**Revealing cards before the exchange:** Cards should normally remain face down until everyone has completed the selection.
**Passing only high cards without considering suit balance:** Removing high cards can reduce control, but it can also leave a hand with dangerous gaps.
**Assuming the Queen of Spades must always be passed:** Keeping the Queen may sometimes be a better strategic decision.
**Forgetting the keep round:** No cards are exchanged during the fourth round in the standard passing cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
### 1. How many cards do you pass in Hearts?
In the common four-player version, each player passes three cards before the first trick.
### 2. Which direction do you pass cards in Hearts?
The usual sequence is left, right, across, and then keep. The sequence repeats after the fourth round.
### 3. Do all players pass cards at the same time?
Yes. Players normally select their cards first and then exchange them simultaneously, face down.
### 4. Should I always pass the Queen of Spades?
No. Passing the Queen can reduce your risk, but keeping it may be useful if your Spade holding gives you control over the suit.
### 5. Can I pass three cards from the same suit?
Yes. In the standard rules, there is generally no requirement to select cards from different suits.
### 6. What happens if I receive the Queen of Spades?
Add it to your hand and adjust your strategy. You may need to manage your Spades carefully to avoid taking the Queen in a trick.
### 7. Do you pass cards during every round?
No. In the common four-round cycle, the fourth round is a keep round in which players do not pass any cards.
Conclusion
Passing three cards is an important preparation step in Hearts. Players review their 13-card hands, choose three cards, and pass them according to the current direction: left, right, across, or keep.
The best choices depend on the complete hand. High cards, the Queen of Spades, suit distribution, and possible voids should all be considered before passing.
By learning the passing sequence and evaluating each card carefully, beginners can start every Hearts round with a clearer plan.