head to head
vs
Crusader Kings IIvsMicrosoft Hearts
Crusader Kings II leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos); Microsoft Hearts leans Variance (Systems & Chaos).
Crusader Kings IIMicrosoft Hearts
Axis by axis
Execution1 vs 0
Crusader Kings II leans harder on execution: pausable, no reflex
Reads3 vs 4
Microsoft Hearts leans harder on reads: AI opponents only; weak modelling of fixed bots
Variance5 vs 6
Microsoft Hearts leans harder on variance: Hidden hands and shoot-the-moon risk dominate hands
Optimization7 vs 6
Crusader Kings II leans harder on optimization: succession, marriages, claims plannable
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.