Instructions Herzeln

Objective of the Game

The objective of Herzeln is to score as few points as possible. The game is played over several rounds, and the player with the lowest score at the end wins.

Materials

Herzeln is typically played with a standard 52-card deck (without jokers).

Number of Players

The game can be played with 2 to 4 players.

Setup

• At the beginning, all cards are evenly distributed among the players. With four players, each receives 13 cards.
• The player to the left of the dealer starts in the first round.

Gameplay

• Players take turns playing a card. The player who plays the highest card of the led suit wins the trick.
• Hearts count as one point each, and the Queen of Spades counts as 13 points. Players want to avoid winning these cards.
• There are no trump suits, and the Ace of Spades is not a special card.
• The player who wins a trick leads the next round.
• The player with the 2♣ (Two of Clubs) on hand leads the first card. Hearts or the Queen of Spades cannot be played on the first trick.
• After hearts have been broken (a heart card has been played and won in a trick), hearts may be played.

Special Features

• Shoot the Moon: If a player manages to collect all the hearts and the Queen of Spades in one round, they receive zero points, and all other players receive 26 points. This is a risky but strategically interesting move that can change the game.

End of the Game

• Herzeln ends when at least one player reaches 100 or more points after a round.
• The player with the fewest points wins the game.

Strategy Tips

• Avoid leading: Try to avoid winning the lead when hearts or the Queen of Spades are still in play.
• Pay attention to others' hands: Since you do not know the card distribution, you must watch the cards played to understand what others might still hold.
• Use Shoot the Moon carefully: This daring move should only be attempted when you stand a realistic chance of gathering all critical cards.

Herzeln requires a good assessment of risks and the ability to adapt to the strategies of other players. Enjoy the game!