Game guide · HKXLJJ
The War playbook
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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
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 purpose of your moves
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
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.
How to use the 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
One way to understand the rules
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. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Helpful answers for players
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Press Turn cards for one battle, or Play 10 battles to advance ten battles without choosing cards. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. 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 game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, is Ace high?
Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, 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.
During a round, 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.
