Hearts Game History
Trying to nail down the complex Hearts game history is challenging, to say the least, mostly due to its age-old widespread popularity. Hearts is a trick-taking game that allows players to explore the strategic depth that it’s famous for. The purpose of this guide is to make it easier for you to discover the history of the Hearts game, making sense of its origins, influences, and how it has evolved over time.
Origin of Hearts
Historians, Card Game Encyclopedias, and publications such as “The American Heritage Dictionary” agree that Hearts originated in the mid-19th century (the 1850s in particular). Reversis, an earlier trick-taking game from the 17th century influenced Hearts, but the game as we know it evolved much later.
Early Trick-Taking Games
Though researchers have found traces of Hearts-type games being documented in the 1500s (most popularly due to a mention by Francis I of France, who ruled between 1515 and 1547), trick-taking games were far more prevalent during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Descendant of Reversis
At its core, Hearts is directly descended from Reversis (originally called Reversin), which was a French card game popular during the 17th century that involved avoiding taking tricks.
Transition to Modern Hearts
The rules of Reversis evolved over the years, often simplified as an effort to formulate a standard set of rules for the game. The remolding of the rules eventually shed the original nature of the game, giving birth to the game of Hearts, whose creation was cemented in the 1850s.
Spread and Popularization
Trick-taking games such as Reversis and others were popular in Aristocratic society, which influenced commoners as well since all it required was a deck of cards. The social instrumentation of the game among high societal figures caused the game to spread throughout Europe.
Introduction to America
According to “The Standard Hoyle” (a guide and authority of chance games issued in 1887), Hearts began gaining traction in the United States in the early 1880s. It became a popular parlor game during that period and reached “household name” status during the 1900s.
Printed Rules and Variations
The presence of Hearts (along with its set of rules and styles) presented in 1887 via The Standard Hoyle publication skyrocketed the spread and popularity of the game in the United States.
Influence of Bridge and Whist
While Hearts began to spread, Bridge and Whist were similar trick-taking games being played. But Hearts was considered simpler and easier to pick up between these three games, making it easier on new players. It has a more casual style of play compared to the other two.
Development of Hearts Variations
Like most popular games, Hearts would eventually be reimagined or modified through the years.
Emergence of Variants
As Hearts worked its way into different regions, new game variations that were unique to each area began to develop. Some of these variants are Omnibus Hearts, Spot Hearts, and Partnership Hearts.
“Black Maria” and the Queen of Spades
In the early 20th century, the Queen of Spades was introduced as the game’s highest-valued penalty card. This reflects the Hearts iteration of “Black Maria,” which originated in Britain. “Black Lady” is the American version of this variation.
Adoption of “Shooting the Moon”
in the British Black Maria version and is also a rule in the Black Lady American version; however, the strategy is noted to have begun closer toward the beginning of the 20th century, as pointed out via the 1909 “Hoyle’s Rules of Games.” This high-risk, high-reward strategy can change the game’s outcome in one way or another.
Hearts in the Digital Age
Hearts is best played with four people; unfortunately, four people aren’t always available to play. The digital age eliminated the “lack of players” problem, introducing playing against the computer. Though Hearts is still played atop a card table in homes and halls worldwide, most people turn to their computer or phone to get into a Hearts game.
Inclusion in Windows
The decision for Microsoft to include Hearts with their Windows platform in the 90s was paramount for the game’s relevance, introducing the game to people who might not have played otherwise worldwide.
Online Mobile Version
As if playing on the PC wasn’t enough, Hearts became available as a mobile game, ready to be played by anyone with a mobile phone or tablet around the globe. Plus, this helped return Hearts to its multiplayer roots.
Impact on Popularity
Because the game has been translated into digital format, the game has never lost its relevance and visibility, being introduced to younger audiences that will ensure the game’s longevity.
Cultural Impact
Culturally speaking, Hearts and other card games have brought people together since its conception.
Social Appeal of Hearts
Hearts played a hand in entertaining officials and dignitaries; it grew prominence in bars, clubs, and halls; it has been an activity at family or friend gatherings and the focal point of competitions.
Hearts in Media and Literature
The game has been either featured, referenced, or played in various films or literary works. Among them are Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Princess Bride, The Social Network, The Big Lebowski, The Simpsons, and Friends.
Educational Value
The game of Hearts has been shown to improve several cognitive functions that contribute to someone’s educatability. Functions such as risk assessment, Anticipation, decision-making, and calculating probabilities.
Modern-Day Hearts
Modern-day hearts are often played against computer rivals, though some people use these rivals as practice for when they get together with friends.
Continued Popularity
The mass of games that have populated the genre has taken its toll on Hearts, not unlike how video games have impacted board games. However, Hearts remains a staple for enthusiasts, whether via an electronic platform or at the table amongst family and friends.
Tournaments and Competitive Play
Hearts tournaments occur in various places worldwide, and online competition has become a popular way to participate. There are sites dedicated to satiating the competitive Hearts player.
Legacy and Influence
The legacy of Hearts resonates through its influence over other card games, the role it played among decision-makers, its ability to remain relevant, and the memories that it encouraged along the way.