I literally just finished playing a game on my computer right before I read this thread. Here's from wikipedia:
Scoring variants There are many scoring variants including: The 10♦ or J♦ is a "bonus" card, subtracting 10 penalty points from the player who captures it. This is called the "Omnibus" variant and is very popular in some regions.
The 7♣ is another penalty card, worth 7 points, in a variant called Hooligan Hearts.[8] A player reaching exactly 50 or 100 points subtracts 50 points from their score. Different points are allocated to each penalty card.
The A♠ can also be a penalty card, and sometimes also the K♠ and 10♠. This is unpopular as it means any penalty Spade, not just the Queen, must be "sloughed" by playing off-suit. Higher penalties for the high hearts (e.g. A♥=5, K♥=4, Q♥=3, J♥=2).
A player who takes no tricks in a deal subtracts 5 points from their own score. A player may declare before the first card is played that he or she will not take any hearts on the upcoming hand. If they succeed in their pledge, they may subtract 10 penalty points, but if they take any hearts they are assessed 10 additional penalty points. Each numbered Heart (2–10♥) is assigned the numeric value in points, each face card and the Ace of Hearts counts as 10 points, and the Queen of Spades counts as 25 points, making a total of 119 in any given deal similar to Schwarze Katze.
Scoring variants There are many scoring variants including: The 10♦ or J♦ is a "bonus" card, subtracting 10 penalty points from the player who captures it. This is called the "Omnibus" variant and is very popular in some regions.
The 7♣ is another penalty card, worth 7 points, in a variant called Hooligan Hearts.[8] A player reaching exactly 50 or 100 points subtracts 50 points from their score. Different points are allocated to each penalty card.
The A♠ can also be a penalty card, and sometimes also the K♠ and 10♠. This is unpopular as it means any penalty Spade, not just the Queen, must be "sloughed" by playing off-suit. Higher penalties for the high hearts (e.g. A♥=5, K♥=4, Q♥=3, J♥=2).
A player who takes no tricks in a deal subtracts 5 points from their own score. A player may declare before the first card is played that he or she will not take any hearts on the upcoming hand. If they succeed in their pledge, they may subtract 10 penalty points, but if they take any hearts they are assessed 10 additional penalty points. Each numbered Heart (2–10♥) is assigned the numeric value in points, each face card and the Ace of Hearts counts as 10 points, and the Queen of Spades counts as 25 points, making a total of 119 in any given deal similar to Schwarze Katze.
I love to play Hearts and fwiw am not a bad Hearts player although I don't play the game for money. To answer the question - no I have never heard of a version where the Ace of Spades had any special extra value plus or minus attached to it.
I love to run em (like all Hearts players) but I try to often when my chances are better to win a game to 100 if I sit back and hold a stopper until I am dealt and passed the cards necessary to take an at least 50/50 or better chance of being successful at running all 13 Hearts and the Bitch..I rarely pass spades unless I am looking at a naked King or Ace of Spades and then it depends on a lot of variables.
Playing against the MSN online game I am really reckless when it comes to trying to run the Hearts and lay 26 on all three virtual opponents..Not an easy game to teach someone who has never played has been my experience.
Now TONK is another matter when it comes to playing for money. A member of the Gin Rummy family of games it is a favorite with Nam Vets when they meet at VFW's and similar clubs..Google "TONK card game" for rules and playing strategy etc. if you are unfamiliar with the game..A fast and fun game to play for cash - small or not so small depending on the financial status of the competition..Usually when playing among other Vets we keep the stakes friendly.
wil..
I love to run em (like all Hearts players) but I try to often when my chances are better to win a game to 100 if I sit back and hold a stopper until I am dealt and passed the cards necessary to take an at least 50/50 or better chance of being successful at running all 13 Hearts and the Bitch..I rarely pass spades unless I am looking at a naked King or Ace of Spades and then it depends on a lot of variables.
Playing against the MSN online game I am really reckless when it comes to trying to run the Hearts and lay 26 on all three virtual opponents..Not an easy game to teach someone who has never played has been my experience.
Now TONK is another matter when it comes to playing for money. A member of the Gin Rummy family of games it is a favorite with Nam Vets when they meet at VFW's and similar clubs..Google "TONK card game" for rules and playing strategy etc. if you are unfamiliar with the game..A fast and fun game to play for cash - small or not so small depending on the financial status of the competition..Usually when playing among other Vets we keep the stakes friendly.
wil..
