Its rules first appears in print in The Complete Book of Card Games in 1939, where Phillips and co-author, B.C. In the Penguin Hoyle of 1958, English economist, journalist and bridge player, Hubert Phillips claims to have invented Black Maria during the First World War. While many of the games of the Hearts family may be considered as variants of 'basic' Hearts, Black Maria is 'sufficiently different and popular' to justify being described as a separate game. The name Black Maria is sometimes used, confusingly, for the related American game of Black Lady likewise this game is occasionally referred to as Black Lady. The name of the game is derived from the nickname given to the Queen of Spades which plays a key role. Black Maria is regarded as one of the best games for three players. It is an elaboration of Black Lady, itself a development of the original American game of Hearts, the progenitor of the group. Aim: avoid capturing hearts, the ♠A, ♠K or ♠Qīlack Maria is a popular British card game of the Hearts group for three to six players.
