Game guide · CH12372
An introduction to playing War
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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 deck is split into two face-down piles of 26 cards. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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 beyond the first move
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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 goal to keep in mind
Check the rule below as you play. Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
Your inputs
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
An example to follow
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Pay attention to this rule
Read the position before choosing your next action. You cannot choose a card from the pile. War depends on the dealt order, not a discard strategy. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
More answers before you play
What is the aim of War?
Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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.
For this game, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, is Ace high?
Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, why was the round drawn?
Both players ran short at the same point in a war, or the 500-battle limit was reached. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, can I choose which card to play?
No. Each battle turns the next top card from each face-down pile. The game is played locally in your browser.