Getting the most hearts

Here's my strategies for getting the most hearts

I. Strategy for when I'm playing 

1. Keep an eye on the number of hearts in the mailbox.  
2. When it the mailbox indicates about 45-47, open the mailbox, scroll to the bottom and collect hearts until there are about 40 left. then close 
3. Between games, send a a set number of hearts to anyone who
• responds quickly to hearts sent
• sends hearts only when you send one to them
• you really like
4. The number of hearts sent in each cycle can vary, but the intent is to keep hearts coming back to you continuously. 

II. Strategy for when I'm not playing but am available to send and collect hearts

This is the strategy that will get you the most hearts.  The basic idea is to pick how often you want to claim hearts and then use the mailbox in a particular way.

To get started, keep track of the last time you sent hearts out.  After about 35 minutes or when you've got 45-47 hearts, open the mailbox.  You're going to keep it open for about another 25 minutes, waiting for the last heart in the list to reach 59 minutes.  

1. scroll to the bottom of the mailbox and note the time since the bottom heart was sent.  Do not close the mailbox at this time
2. subtract that time from 59 and set a timer on your phone.  That's your time remaining till you need to claim some hearts.
3. When the timer goes off, start claiming the last hearts.  They should be right around 59-60 minutes.  Claim each heart until the time gets down to 35 minutes or you run out of hearts.
4. Close Mail
5. Send some hearts
6. Open mail and go back to step 3

III Strategy when I'm not available.

1. Let the hearts accumulate for several hours.  For example, when sleeping
2. At some point, In the mailbox, claim the hearts that came in the last hour.
3. Keep claiming the ones that came in in the last several hours.  This will send a heart to those who have been sending you hearts.  Don't just claim all at this point
4. When the people are mostly repeats, or your fingers get tired, claim all 
5. Exit from Mail
6. Send hearts as time allows 
7. Go back to sleep.

IV Strategy for when I'm really not available at all

1. change my screen name to offline17
2. optional - change my line comment to "not sending hearts right now"

V. General strategies

1. Maximize the number of hearts I send
2. Maximize the number of friends that send hearts without me sending one first
3. Send to my entire list at least once a day
4. Respond to any heart sent with Check, reserving claim all for the end of the day, or when there are just too many hours with hearts to claim.