What is Shooting the Moon in Hearts?
Short Answer
Shooting the Moon is capturing all 26 penalty points in a single hand: all 13 hearts (1 point each) plus the Queen of Spades (13 points). Instead of receiving 26 points yourself, each opponent gets 26 points added to their score.
How Scoring Works
When you successfully shoot the moon:
- Standard rule: Each opponent gets +26 points, you get 0
- Alternate rule: You subtract 26 from your own score
- Failure: If you miss even one heart, you take normal penalties
Example
You capture 12 hearts and the Q♠ (25 points). An opponent takes one heart (1 point). You get 25 points. They get 1 point. The moon shot failed completely.
When to Attempt It
Signs you might be able to shoot:
- High hearts (A♥, K♥, Q♥) in your hand
- The Queen of Spades or ability to capture it
- Long suits that will win tricks
- Opponents with weak hands after passing
Defending Against the Moon
- Watch for players taking many tricks early
- Take ONE heart to break the attempt
- Hold back penalty cards to dump on the shooter
- Cooperate with other players to stop them