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War
War is a two-player card game famous for being almost pure luck and requiring no decisions. It's commonly used to teach children card values. The deck is split between the players, who reveal cards simultaneously, with the higher card winning both.
War Rules
The full 52-card deck is shuffled and dealt evenly, 26 cards each, kept face-down in a stack. Neither player looks at their cards.
Both players simultaneously flip their top card. The higher rank wins both cards, which go to the bottom of the winner's stack. Aces are high and suits don't matter.
When the two cards tie, a 'War' occurs: each player lays three cards face-down and one face-up, and the higher face-up card takes the entire pile. The game ends when one player holds all 52 cards.
War Strategy & Tips
Accept that War is luck
There are no legal choices to make, so no strategy changes the outcome. Card values and the shuffle decide everything from start to finish.
Understand how Wars swing games
A single War puts ten cards on the line. Most dramatic comebacks happen during Wars, which is why a losing player isn't out until the very end.
Set a turn limit for fun
Untimed games of War can run very long or loop indefinitely. Agreeing to stop after a set time and counting cards keeps it enjoyable.
Use it to learn card ranks
Because it needs no decisions, War is ideal for teaching new players that Ace beats King beats Queen and so on, before moving to deeper games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any skill in War?
Essentially none. Players don't choose which card to play, so outcomes are determined entirely by the shuffle and the order of the cards.
What happens during a War in the game War?
When both players flip equal-rank cards, each places three cards face-down and one face-up. The higher face-up card wins the whole stack of cards in play.
How long does a game of War last?
It varies wildly — anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, and some games can loop endlessly. Many players cap the game by time or total turns.
Are aces high or low in War?
Aces are high, ranking above Kings. Twos are the lowest cards, and suits play no role in deciding which card wins.