Rating: Summary: INSIGHTS ABOUND Review: Andrews' book, Win At Hearts, is indeed a treasure. The tidbits of information proffered are invaluable. Admittedly, the "hand illustrations" are convoluted given the subject matter; but the insights gained are worth the re-reading. The folklore is entertaining. And, the reminiscences are a source of fascinating ideas. I heartily recommend this book for novice and experienced players alike.
Rating: Summary: Informative...but very confusing. Review: As an educator with a master's degree in reading,I couldn't believe how difficult it was to follow the author's line of reasoning.But if you stick to it and reread and reread again,there is much to be learned. I can honestly can say that it has improved my game.
Rating: Summary: Poorly Played Review: From the amateurish color registration of the cover to the numerous editorial errors and vague rambling advice, this is nothing more than a thin piece of cheese. Someone is simply out to impress his friends with all the new 'hearts' jargon buzzing around some of the Zone rooms. Save your money and your time.
Rating: Summary: Sharpen your Hearts game with this book! It really works! Review: I am an avid Hearts player, having played it on various computers (though only a few times with real cards) for several years. In that time, I have come up with several ways to improve my game, but my rating on the MSN Gaming Zone, where I usually play, continued to flounder below average. Once I read this book and began applying Joe's strategies to my game, I found my win/loss ratio improving and my rating steadily increasing - I have gained almost 200 rating points since reading Joe's wisdom. Granted, you can't win them all, but with help like this, you should certainly win at least your fair share. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the game of Hearts, whether a newcomer to the game or a seasoned veteran. Rules (even for variant forms of the game), tips, strategies, a little history, and even a glossary of terms and list of Hearts web sites - this book has it all!
Rating: Summary: Sharpen your Hearts game with this book! It really works! Review: I am an avid Hearts player, having played it on various computers (though only a few times with real cards) for several years. In that time, I have come up with several ways to improve my game, but my rating on the MSN Gaming Zone, where I usually play, continued to flounder below average. Once I read this book and began applying Joe's strategies to my game, I found my win/loss ratio improving and my rating steadily increasing - I have gained almost 200 rating points since reading Joe's wisdom. Granted, you can't win them all, but with help like this, you should certainly win at least your fair share. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the game of Hearts, whether a newcomer to the game or a seasoned veteran. Rules (even for variant forms of the game), tips, strategies, a little history, and even a glossary of terms and list of Hearts web sites - this book has it all!
Rating: Summary: it could've been much, much better Review: I am regularly one of the highest-rated players on Yahoo Hearts, and I bought this book some time ago to improve my game. It has some good ideas, but I was generally disappointed. There is too much discussion of trick plays, and definitely not enough on good solid fundamental play. The section on spade-suit management is pretty well explained-out, but I found the heart-suit management section lacking. (hearts do make up half the point total of each hand, after all). The style of the book is very home-spun, resembling a compilation of hearts tidbits, without a thorough discussion of principles involved in playing the game. At one point Andrews says offhand that one should generally slough minor suits before breaking hearts, but he doesn't say why, and under what circumstances you don't. The "hearts player's diary" was a big waste of paper and ink. There is a lengthy discussion of the 'partnership' version of the game, but the section on the -10JD game is altogether lacking (if that's what you want the book for), with only about 5 pages devoted to it. One of Andrews' 10 cardinal rules which nearly everyone online would disagree with is "Dump the QS on the first available player, unless your hand is absolutely safe". Rather, you save the QS for the low man at the table. The score of the game is always an important factor in determining your play (especially what hearts you pass), and this is not addressed at all in this book. Also not addressed is how to determine who has the QS, and manuever so the low man gets her. I also would've liked to see a section on how to shoot the moon, since this is an aspect of the game you cannot readily practice without torching your scores. This book does contain a few good ideas for the novice or intermediate player, but if another book on the subject becomes available on this site, I'd definitely suggest buying it before buying this one.
Rating: Summary: Very helpful Review: I Met Joe in Vegas at the IHSPA finals. I also had the discreet honor of co hosting this event with Joe. As stated to him in Vegas I feel this book is almost required to anyone interested in playing cards. Reguardless of the game spades or hearts, Most people will definatly get alot from these books. Obviously someone diddnt either like the tourney in Vegas or felt the book diddnt make them a better player by reading the bottom message here. The bottom line is the book was done and is still a great source for general tips and strategys and hearts. Those who feel diffrent maybe should just read none of the other available hearts books offering tips/strategy. Joe....keep up the great work "Dusty" DaveSpades Grand Master and 3 time NHSA regional finalist
Rating: Summary: Winning at Hearts made easy Review: I read this book with open eyes, as a player I have won a fewtournaments, I have been blessed to have supervised tournaments thatincluded some outstanding matches. I have always had the greatestrespect for the Team Hearts Format, and marvel at the complexity ofthe game. I was so surprised to see mentioned LL, TD, and most of alleccy, 3 of the top players ever to be involved in any of the Heartsevents I have witnessed. The 15 hand match described with so muchdetail and emotions was the talk of the "Zone" for monthsafterwards. Joe Andrews adds humour and expert commentary that makesthis book entertaining and a must for the serious hearts player. Irecommend this book for beginners, intermediate and advance players,everyone will come ahead after reading it. I especially loved thevariations of the game and the discussion on setting up and defendingthe 'Moon'. The illustrated hands adds a professional look to thisbook far above most on this subject.Happy reading to all and thanks Joe for another great book! Looking forward to reading your insights on Euchre and Whist; hoping they are as good as Hearts and Spades.
Rating: Summary: Winning at Hearts made easy Review: I read this book with open eyes, as a player I have won a fewtournaments, I have been blessed to have supervised tournaments thatincluded some outstanding matches. I have always had the greatestrespect for the Team Hearts Format, and marvel at the complexity ofthe game. I was so surprised to see mentioned LL, TD, and most of alleccy, 3 of the top players ever to be involved in any of the Heartsevents I have witnessed. The 15 hand match described with so muchdetail and emotions was the talk of the "Zone" for monthsafterwards. Joe Andrews adds humour and expert commentary that makesthis book entertaining and a must for the serious hearts player. Irecommend this book for beginners, intermediate and advance players,everyone will come ahead after reading it. I especially loved thevariations of the game and the discussion on setting up and defendingthe 'Moon'. The illustrated hands adds a professional look to thisbook far above most on this subject. Happy reading to all and thanks Joe for another great book! Looking forward to reading your insights on Euchre and Whist; hoping they are as good as Hearts and Spades.
Rating: Summary: Delightful Find ! Review: I'e been playing hearts for the past 20 years. I've read most books on the subject, but I must say that Mr. Andrew's version has been the most thorough and comprehensive thusfar. It's a delight to read and is chocked full of interesting variations and insightfull advice. I'm elated to have come across it. I'll look forward to Mr. Andrews live Heart's event in Las Vegas this year.
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