Hearts vs Oh Hell: Which Trick-Taking Game Is Right for You?
Both Hearts and Oh Hell are trick-taking games for 3 to 6 players that need no special deck. The difference is psychology: Hearts is about avoiding points, Oh Hell is about predicting your hand.
| Hearts | Oh Hell | |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 3 to 6 (best at 4) | 3 to 7 |
| Bidding | No bidding at all | Bid exact number of tricks each round |
| Trump suit | None | Different each round (random) |
| Goal | Avoid hearts and the Queen of Spades | Take exactly the tricks you bid |
| Round length | 15–25 minutes (one full deal) | 5–10 minutes per round |
| Online-friendly | Yes — but slower turns | Excellent — short rounds = quick rejoin |
| Signature play | Shooting the moon | Nailing a 0-trick "nil" bid |
The verdict
- Hearts: Pick Hearts for the satisfying long-arc strategy and that one perfect shoot-the-moon moment.
- Oh Hell: Pick Oh Hell when you want fast turns, easy drop-in/drop-out, and a game that scales to weird player counts.
Try them both, free for 7 days
Play Hearts and Oh Hell on Family Time with built-in video chat and AI opponents.
Start PlayingCommon questions
Which is harder, Hearts or Oh Hell?
Pick Hearts for the satisfying long-arc strategy and that one perfect shoot-the-moon moment. Pick Oh Hell when you want fast turns, easy drop-in/drop-out, and a game that scales to weird player counts.
How many players do you need for Hearts and Oh Hell?
Hearts: 3 to 6 (best at 4). Oh Hell: 3 to 7.
Can I play Hearts and Oh Hell online?
Yes — Family Time supports both with AI opponents and built-in video chat, so you can play with family across long distance.