From the source rules

Who goes first in Hearts?

Bicycle Cards rules, standard 52-card pack (English)

Whoever holds the 2 of clubs after the pass leads first. In a three-player game, the page says the 3 of clubs is led instead.

Source & edition

Hearts — How to PlayBicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) · "The Deal" and "The Play" sections · Checked 2026-10-01

All 16 Bicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) starting rules

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

Rule details

For three players the 2 of diamonds is removed; for five players the 2 of clubs is removed.

Our interpretation

With the 2 of clubs removed in a five-player game, this site reads the rule as the holder of the lowest remaining club leading.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/hearts-bicycle-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Hearts?</strong> Whoever holds the 2 of clubs after the pass leads first. In a three-player game, the page says the 3 of clubs is led instead.</p>
  <p>— <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/hearts-bicycle-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Bicycle Cards rules, standard 52-card pack (English))</p>
</blockquote>

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