Pass high cards, especially As, Ks, Qs, and high Hearts: Since the highest card played wins the trick, having high cards makes it more likely that you’ll take tricks with points in them. In Hearts, points are bad!

Never pass Spades lower than the Queen. Having a J♠ or lower is the best way to avoid taking a trick with the Q♠. Having many low spades allows you to avoid the Q♠ many times. Keep as many low ♠ as possible to be safe!

Play the highest card that won't take the trick: Playing high cards means you are more likely to win a trick. When someone else leads, play the highest card possible that won’t win the trick to avoid taking points.

If you are forced to take a trick, play your highest card: Sometimes, the cards you are dealt won’t allow you to avoid taking a trick. When this happens, play the highest card possible to get rid of it!

It is okay to win a trick with no points in it: Winning a trick is only bad when it contains a ♥️ card or the Q♠. When you are the last person to play a card, play a high card if you know you won’t take any penalty points!

Play your highest club on the first trick: Playing a ♥️ card or the Q♠ isn’t allowed on the first trick. For the first trick, play the highest card possible to get rid of it!

Lead spades to force the Queen of spades to be played: Jack or lower is safe….

Get rid of dangerous cards: When out of the led suite, you are allowed to play any card you want without risking winning the trick; use this time to dump your most dangerous cards. Generally, high cards, the Q♠, and ♥️ are cards you want to get rid of as soon as possible.