Board Game Arena

Today I had the good fortune to have a 28 point lead on the field and two people were under 10 points. I passed something like AK10 of diamonds to the player on my right, not really caring if it might help him shoot the moon since that would still be a win for me. During play, the first time I had an opportunity to sluff a card, I sluffed the AH. These would be poor decisions in any normal situation, but when any shoot gives me the win, I played accordingly.

My question is, "Is this solid play or poor sportsmanship?" On the one hand, I am maximizing my chances of winning by helping to end the game while I have the most points, but on the other hand, it is a form of kingmaking and collusion to help a guy secure 2nd place by letting him shoot. I am curious what the community thinks.

By the way, it turned out the the other players managed to play defense so no one shot, but I still got the win as one guy went below zero.

Well, since you weren't giving them the win, I would say it wasn't king making. Prince making, maybe, but not king making.

The main point, though, is that you played in a manner that helped you get the win. I would say trying to end the game when you have a large lead is solid play.

You are free to play however you wish, so long as you aren't found guilty of systematic collusion or playing with multiaccounts.

Other players may give you public red thumbs for 'questionable plays' or for any reason really.
Hearts is also one of the more hostile games on BGA and may result in excessive public red thumbs.

Though, it should also be said that such issues are by far and large still rare.