The game of Hearts is played as individual's contest, with four persons playing in a "cutthroat" format. Seat positioning at each table is determined by a "cut" of cards with the lowest card sitting North 2nd lowest card sitting East; etc. The deck has 52 cards and no Jokers are used, and there is no trump. The cards of each suit are all equal, and rank from the Ace (high), all the way down to the deuce. After the shuffle (and "cut"), the cards are dealt one at a time, until the deck is exhausted. If a card is exposed during the deal, or an incorrect number of cards is dealt to any given player, the deal is voided.

SCORING AND GAME LIMIT

All points in Hearts, are basically "negative" points. Each heart taken counts as one point, and the Queen of spades counts as thirteen points against whomever captures these cards during the course of a typical hand. The Jack of diamonds "bonus" Rule does not apply. The game ends when any player reaches 100 or more points. Tricks, per se, do not count. In the event that a player takes all of the hearts and the Spade Queen in the same hand, they are said to have "Shot the Moon", and will add 26 points to the scores of each opponent.

Exception: If anyone at the table has a score of 74 or more points, and the "Shooter" cannot win the game with the "Moon", he/she will have the option to subtract 26 points from his/her score.

At the end of the Round, the numerical scores are Match-Pointed by position (5-3-2-1), and logged on the Master Sheet. The Scoresheet must be signed by all four players before it is submitted for recording. The Official Scorer for each Round is the player sitting in the North seat, unless another person is designated by mutual consent (or a "cut" of the cards).

THE PASS

After the deal is completed, each player selects any three cards from his/her hand, and passes said cards to the person sitting in the designated seat. Your pass must be completed and face-down on the table before you pick up those cards which has been passed to you. The passing rotation is as follows:

Note: There is no "keeper" or "hold" hand in this Event.

THE OPENING LEAD

After the pass has been made, the person holding the deuce of clubs must lead this card. As in Spades or Whist, the play follows a clockwise rotation, and a trick or book of four cards will be taken by the person playing the highest card of the suit led. Suit must be followed, if possible. If a player is void in a suit, he/she may discard any card desired.

Note: No point card (a heart or the spade Queen) may be discarded on the first trick, only. After the first trick, a heart or the spade Queen may be discarded (if the play is legal). A heart cannot be led early in the hand unless a point card has been discarded or a player is on lead with all hearts. The spade Queen also "breaks" hearts, and if a player has been reduced to nothing but hearts and the spade Queen, he/she may lead a heart.

After the play of each deal is concluded, the points are calculated and entered in the appropriate places on the Scoresheet. Remember, "Moonshot" points are added, unless someone at the table has 74 or more points.

The lowest score earns 5 MP (Match Points) ; then 3MP; then 2 MP; and finally one MP for highest score.

PENALTIES AND IRREGULARITIES

• Revoke
  This is a failure to follow suit when possible. The penalty is an automatic 26 points, added to the score of the offender. A Revoke cannot stop a "Moon", and if that scenario occurs, the Director will make a final decision. There is no penalty for a Revoke if all of the point cards have been played.



• Renounce
  This is the attempt to correct a Revoke before it is established. The exposed or incorrectly played card is a Penalty Card, and is played at first (legal opportunity).



• Exposed Card
  Any card dropped on the table (face-up), or exposed prematurely becomes a Penalty Card and must be played at first legal opportunity.



• Incorrect Pass
  If any player passes the wrong number of cards, passes to the incorrect opponent, or looks at a pass before making his/her pass, will be penalized 26 points (the scorer must announce the pass direction after the deal has been completed).



• Lead out of turn
  This card also becomes a Penalty Card, and the lead reverts to the proper player.



• Prematurely played heart
  This results in a five point penalty, and the incorrectly led heart is now played at the first legal opportunity. Nobody may ask "Have hearts been broken?".



• Claims and Concessions
  If a player exposes the remainder of his/her hand, the order of plays must be announced. The Director will make a final decision.

Note: A game cannot end with a penalty assessment.

Suffice to say, the Director must be called to make any and all Rulings. Please do not make your own Rulings!!

Good Luck and have an enjoyable Tournament!

FORMAT FOR MSO EVENT - AUGUST 2000

All players are guaranteed four qualifying Rounds. Pairings are randomized in all Rounds, as each person has three different opponents for every game. Results are positionally determined (based on order of finish at the end of each game). Round Four is Swiss-paired, utilizing identical or similar Match Point (MP) Scores. Playoffs are single-elimination and will also be seeded on the basis of MP Score. Pairings are posted at least ten minutes prior to the start of the Round.

The Director reserves the right to modify the Playoffs, and allow additional qualifiers if the numbers are needed to maintain four players at each Table.