Way back in late 1987, hearts, the card game, was played at the home of WBS in Albany. Somehow, through some alchemy that is difficult to explain, it would take place there four, five, even six nights a week at his home.
There were a group of about a dozen people who showed up in different permutations at his house to participate. Most knew where the spare key was.
Occasionally, it took place even when WBS wasn’t home. Specifically, on May 4, 1988, when he called to schedule a game, but work kept him away until after midnight. So three of us played without him.
His sainted wife was aware of this arrangement, but due to the design of the house, specifically the bedroom, she was not disturbed by the comings and goings of these folks.
I should note that we operated by different rules. Traditionally, a hearts hand is started with a lead of the two of clubs, and as a result, no points could be dropped on the first trick. Online games are designed in that manner.
We decided this was a stupid directive; almost every other card game involves the player to the left of the dealer starting the round, so we did that. This meant the queen of spades could be played on the first trick; it’s worth 13 points, and as in golf, points are bad.
A few years later, WBS and his sainted wife moved out to the country, and the hearts games ended. People started having kids, life got complicated, and that was that.
UNTIL six years ago, when my wife asked what I wanted for my birthday. I said, “I want to invite people over to play hearts.” And it was so. Then we did it the next year, and it became an annual tradition.
Well, except for one year, when my wife said we ought to do it another weekend, because the designated weekend was busy, which was true. As a result, it didn’t happen at all, because EVERY weekend is busy.
This year, as usual, the hearts game is scheduled for the Saturday after my birthday. OGA is always late but brings the lasagna. MPH usually brings baked goods. As some writer noted, “A splendid time is guaranteed for all.”
For ABC Wednesday
Dang, I would love to play a weekly hearts game, but I have loser friends who don’t know how to play and are too busy anyway. In college we used to play every freakin’ day, usually multiple games, and it was a lot of fun. Now I’m sad because I haven’t played in years. š
You can drop points on the first hand, if you don’t have any clubs. I know some rules say you can’t play hearts on the first hand, but we used to try to pass out of clubs so we could. Your way sounds fun, though – weird and unpredictable!!!!
Ahh..nice read
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that’s a cool tradition, Roger! I used to have a gaming group like that, but as you say…kids, time, distance, these things get in the way. have a great birthday and a great game!
oops, I commented as anonymous again! š
I remember that card game and great choice for H and neat story too ~
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Totally unfamiliar with it but I do hope you have fond memories
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Roger,
I don’t know if I played Hearts but I do have loads of fond memories playing Rummy with my uncle and his wife. That was always so much fun! Your annual ‘Hearts’ event to celebrate your birthday sounds like lovely fun. Why didn’t I get an invite? Just because I don’t know how to play the game doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the food, right? LOL Seriously, I think it’s wonderful that you and your wife host great fun. This was a heartfelt share full of good memories!
To be truthful. I hate any boardgame, one in a very while I give in mostly to show I still love my family, haha. But hey Roger am happy you have friends to play hearts with on your birthday:) Thanks for coming by!
Fun! What a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday. Something for me to think about for much later this year.