hoping there are some hearts (card game) lovers out there to hear my message
i have never won a game of hearts. nor have i successfully shot the moon on purpose (i have done it by accident about twice, idk man). however, my family and i have been playing hearts since before we crawled out the womb.
we’re seeing extended family for one week. it’s our second hearts game. the first was won by my cousin, where she had -2 or so and my dad, brother, and i were all in the 70s-90s (and obviously 100).
so this is a rematch. after about 3-4 rounds of four, no one has claimed a consistent spot in either first or last place. our rematch is working, though, as my cousin is currently in last. we have to put a pause on the game in one round.
the scores read: (K) 83, (R) 50, (N) 63, (I) 76. I am N.
so we get our hands dealt. i’ve got the 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of spades. i also have the Ace of clubs and some mediocre hearts. but i’m thinking, what the hell, if i try and fail to shoot then at least i’m getting good practice.
so the moment comes. i’ve narrowed down my spades. hearts are not broken. spades are led. I toss the queen, seem terribly upset, and take my 13 points.
and then…i lead with the 5 highest spades and the highest club. everyone is astonished. not only could they not have expected this (all 3 opponents had tried and failed to shoot earlier), but they did not expect it from me.
the fireworks go off. suddenly, this small table in appalachian virginia has become a stadium in which i have earned my story of becoming. everyone gets 26 points. i walk out of there the happiest i’ve ever been. i feel awesome.
