Game guide · 400286
Understand the basics of War
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. The game area remains available above the explanation. The deck is split into two face-down piles of 26 cards.
A free two-player comparison game. One face-down card per war; 500-battle draw limit prevents an indefinitely long round. No money or prizes.
Practice with a purpose
Read the position before choosing your next action. On equal ranks, each side places one card face down and another face up. Repeat if those face-up ranks also tie. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The purpose of your moves
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The order of play
- The deck is split into two face-down piles of 26 cards.
- Turn both top cards. Higher rank wins both cards; Aces are high and suits do not matter.
- On equal ranks, each side places one card face down and another face up. Repeat if those face-up ranks also tie.
- The winner of a battle takes its full pile to the bottom of their deck.
- A player unable to finish a war loses; equal shortages are a draw. A round also ends in a draw after 500 battles.
- Use New round for another shuffled deal.
How your actions work
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Press Turn cards for one battle, or Play 10 battles to advance ten battles without choosing cards. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Learn from a sample situation
If both players reveal a nine, each hides one card and reveals a second. A king then beats a seven and takes the full pile. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A useful caution
Check the rule below as you play. You cannot choose a card from the pile. War depends on the dealt order, not a discard strategy. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Further help with the game
When I start, what is the aim of War?
Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Press Turn cards for one battle, or Play 10 battles to advance ten battles without choosing cards. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, can you show an example?
If both players reveal a nine, each hides one card and reveals a second. A king then beats a seven and takes the full pile. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot choose a card from the pile. War depends on the dealt order, not a discard strategy. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, what rules and limits are used here?
A free two-player comparison game. One face-down card per war; 500-battle draw limit prevents an indefinitely long round. No money or prizes. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, is Ace high?
Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, how many face-down cards are used for a tie?
One, followed by one face-up card. This is the chosen war procedure for this table. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, why was the round drawn?
Both players ran short at the same point in a war, or the 500-battle limit was reached. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, can I choose which card to play?
No. Each battle turns the next top card from each face-down pile. A new round resets the current game.
