Here is the answer to your question.
The deuce of clubs (first lead) was added to the game in the mid 1930's. "No dumping on the first trick" also came in at the same time, in order to prevent a player from receiving high clubs, and then getting blasted!
The original opening lead was to the left of the dealer, and this is still is popular with some groups to this day.
Other variations include the leading of hearts before that suit is "broken", and the spade Queen not counting as a point card.
One change I have always campaigned for is the elimination of the "Hold" or "Keeper" hand (every 4th deal.) Passing is part of Hearts. The "Hold" hand often screws a player who is dealt bad hearts or a shorthanded spade Queen!
Carry on!
- Joe Andrews
Author of "The Complete Win At Hearts"
(originally published in 1983, and has sold more than 100,000 copies!)
