Game guide · 12530NET
Follow the steps for War
Take a moment to check the current turn. Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. 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.
One thing to notice as you play
Take a moment to check the current turn. On equal ranks, each side places one card face down and another face up. Repeat if those face-up ranks also tie. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The challenge in front of you
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck.
How a round unfolds
- 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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Press Turn cards for one battle, or Play 10 battles to advance ten battles without choosing cards. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Work through 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A common point of confusion
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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
On this page, what is the aim of War?
Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, 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.
On this page, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot choose a card from the pile. War depends on the dealt order, not a discard strategy. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, can I choose which card to play?
No. Each battle turns the next top card from each face-down pile. You can start a new round from the game controls.