Game guide · MIBDF
Understand the basics of War
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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. 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.
A focus for your next round
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. On equal ranks, each side places one card face down and another face up. Repeat if those face-up ranks also tie.
What counts as success
Win both face-up cards with the higher rank and try to collect the whole deck. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Step by step
- 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. Press Turn cards for one battle, or Play 10 battles to advance ten battles without choosing cards.
Put the rules into context
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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 mistake to avoid
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.
Read these answers for extra help
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. 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, 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.
Is Ace high?
Yes. The order runs from two through king to Ace; suits are ignored. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, can I choose which card to play?
No. Each battle turns the next top card from each face-down pile. A new round resets the current game.