Game guide · JK-TJ
Know the goal in 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 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.
A small practice goal
Check the rule below as you play. 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
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.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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.
Using the playing area
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Put the rules into context
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A useful caution
A careful first move helps you understand the round. You cannot choose a card from the pile. War depends on the dealt order, not a discard strategy. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Helpful answers for players
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
How many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, is Ace high?
Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, 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.
Can I choose which card to play?
No. Each battle turns the next top card from each face-down pile. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
