Game guide · MY2171
Learn the rules of 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. The deck is split into two face-down piles of 26 cards. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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 small practice goal
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. On equal ranks, each side places one card face down and another face up. Repeat if those face-up ranks also tie.
Understand the aim
Read the position before choosing your next action. Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Making your moves
- 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
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.
An example to follow
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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 mistake to avoid
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. You cannot choose a card from the pile. War depends on the dealt order, not a discard strategy.
Answers about the rules and controls
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Is Ace high?
Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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. No download or player account is required.
For this game, can I choose which card to play?
No. Each battle turns the next top card from each face-down pile. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.