Microsoft Hearts Network

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: 1993
• Genre: Traditional
• Style: Card Game

Game Description

Microsoft Hearts comes included with Microsoft's Windows 95 and Windows 98 operating systems. Like Solitaire or Minesweeper, which were included in earlier versions of Windows, Microsoft Hearts is a simple but engaging rendition of an old, familiar game. Unlike those previous games, however, Microsoft Hearts is designed to offer multiplayer support, allowing up to four human players to compete in the same game across a network connection. A single player can also challenge three computer-controlled opponents.

The play remains true to the traditional card game upon which it is based. The player to win a trick leads in the next and players must always follow suit if possible. A point is tallied for each card in the Heart suit that a player takes during the hand. Peculiarities of Hearts, such as passing three cards before playing most hands, the deadly 13-point Queen of Spades, and even the option to "Shoot the Moon" are faithfully included in this Microsoft rendition. Games are played to 100 points and the contestant with the lowest score when any player breaks 100 is the winner of the game.