Skip to content
LSZSX

You vs computer · FREE PLAY

War

Read the rules ↓
Family Card Games
Choose your controls and enjoy a free round.
No account neededRules & controls →

Game guide · LSZSX

Learn the rules of War

The board gives you the information needed for the 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. 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.

Take a closer look while playing

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.

The challenge in front of you

The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck.

The playing sequence

  1. The deck is split into two face-down piles of 26 cards.
  2. Turn both top cards. Higher rank wins both cards; Aces are high and suits do not matter.
  3. On equal ranks, each side places one card face down and another face up. Repeat if those face-up ranks also tie.
  4. The winner of a battle takes its full pile to the bottom of their deck.
  5. A player unable to finish a war loses; equal shortages are a draw. A round also ends in a draw after 500 battles.
  6. Use New round for another shuffled deal.

Your inputs

Check the rule below as you play. 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

Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.

Avoid this misunderstanding

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.

Game-specific help

During a round, what is the aim of War?

Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. Use the labelled controls for your next action.

During a round, how do the controls work?

Press Turn cards for one battle, or Play 10 battles to advance ten battles without choosing cards. No download or player account is required.

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. You can start a new round from the game controls.

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. No download or player account is required.

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. You can start a new round from the game controls.

During a round, how many people can play here?

You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.

During a round, is Ace high?

Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. The game is played locally in your browser.

On this page, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.

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. A new round resets the current game.

When I start, can I choose which card to play?

No. Each battle turns the next top card from each face-down pile. Use the labelled controls for your next action.

Games

Pick a different kind of break

View all games
Choose a Card Game (opens in a new tab)