What you need
One standard deck and two players. Aces are high.
Object of the game
Win all the cards.
Setup and deal
- 1Shuffle and deal the deck into two face-down stacks of 26.
How to play
- 1Both players turn their top card face up at the same time.
- 2The higher card wins both cards, which go face down on the bottom of the winner’s stack.
- 3If the cards tie, it is war: each player puts one card face down and another face up. The higher face-up card wins all the cards on the table. Tie again, and you go to war again.
How the game ends
- The player who collects the whole deck wins. Many families simply stop after a set time and count cards.
Common variations
- Many players lay three cards face down in a war instead of one.
- Some add jokers as the highest cards.
- For three players, deal 17 cards each and play the same way.
Tips for your first game
- There is no strategy—use it to teach card ranks and counting to young children.
- Agree before you start whether aces are high or low, and what happens when a player runs out of cards in the middle of a war—most families let that player use their last card face up.
War FAQ
How long does a game of War take?
It can run a long time; many families set a timer and count cards at the end.
How many cards do you put down in a war?
Traditionally one face down and one face up; many people play three face down instead.
Can three or four people play War?
Yes. Deal the cards out evenly and have everyone flip at once; the highest card wins, and players who tie for highest fight a war between themselves.
Is there any skill in War?
No—the outcome is decided by the deal. That makes it a good game for very young children who are still learning which cards are higher.