How to Play War
War is one of the simplest and most recognizable card games. The deck is split evenly between two players. Each round, both flip their top card — the higher card wins both. If cards tie, "War" is declared: each player places three cards face-down and one face-up. The higher face-up card wins the entire pile. The game ends when one player has all 52 cards.
Rules
Cards rank from 2 (lowest) to Ace (highest). Suits don't matter. Click "Flip!" to play each round. When both cards match, three cards go face-down as stakes, then one more is flipped — winner takes all. If a player runs out of cards during a war, they lose.
History
War has been played since at least the early 19th century. The French version, "Bataille," is nearly identical. Because it requires no skill or decisions, it's often the first card game children learn. Despite its simplicity, the tension of a tied card triggering "War!" — with a huge pile at stake — creates genuine excitement.
FAQ
Is War a game of pure luck?
Yes. There are no decisions to make — the outcome is entirely determined by the shuffle. This makes it a perfect casual game to enjoy without stress.
Play War free in your browser — flip, battle, and win the whole deck.