Game guide · CSDJJY
Getting started with War
Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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 with a purpose
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.
What counts as success
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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 steps to 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.
Keyboard and screen controls
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.
Learn from a sample situation
Check the rule below as you play. 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 game area remains available above the explanation.
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.
Answers about the rules and controls
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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.
For this game, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, 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.
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. No download or player account is required.
During a round, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, is Ace high?
Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
