Game guide · MAUFITZ
An introduction to playing War
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. 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.
Build familiarity through play
On equal ranks, each side places one card face down and another face up. Repeat if those face-up ranks also tie. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
What you are aiming for
Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck.
Follow these playing steps
- 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
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Press Turn cards for one battle, or Play 10 battles to advance ten battles without choosing cards.
An example before you play
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Pay attention to this rule
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
Questions about this game
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, is Ace high?
Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. No download or player account is required.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, can I choose which card to play?
No. Each battle turns the next top card from each face-down pile. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.