War is one of the simplest card games to learn.
Its a game of chance, no strategy involved, which makes it ideal for young children.
But its still a fun game to play, regardless of your age.
And since it doesnt involve any strategy, it can be pretty relaxing.
It can also be a bit boring if you prefer your card games to have some oomph.
How to Play War (standard)
First, how to play the game.
Each player will have 26 cards.
Cards are kept face down in a stack in front of each player.
If playing with more than two players, deal an equal number of cards.
It doesnt matter who deals, because no one goes first!
Playing (with two players)
Both players turn up a card at the same time.
Both players put one card from their stacks face down and one card from their stacks face up.
Whoevers face-up card is highest wins all of the cards played.
This continues indefinitely until someones face-up card wins the war.
Except there are a few ways to deal with a war.
It doesnt matter who had the highest card originally.
Collecting Winning Cards
Its up to players how to add winning cards to their stacks.
Though, all players should collect winning cards in the same manner during a game.
And now for those promised variations.
The Swap War
A very simple variation.
Players add cards that are won face up beneath their decks or collect cards won in a separate stack.
When they get through their stacks, players swap all their cards, then continue play.
High Stakes War
Youll need a die.
Deal and play as normal.
Except, in instances of war, the stakes are higher.
Play one card face up as usual and the rest of the cards face down.
For example, Player One and Player Two both turn up kings.
One player rolls the die (it doesnt matter which player), and the die shows six.
Each player must now lay five cards face down on the table and one card face up.
Whoever has the highest face-up card wins all of the cards played.
Wild Card War
A strategy variation.
Separate aces and face cards (jack, queen, king) from the deck.
Shuffle and deal each player two or three cards from the aces and face cards pile.
Return the remaining aces and face cards to the deck.
Shuffle and deal as normal.
The aces and face cards dealt to each player are effectively wild cards.
These cards may be played any time during a game, even after a round has been played.
For instance, Player One turns up a nine.
Player Two turns up a queen.
Player One can play a king or ace from her wild cards to win all of the cards played.
Player Two may also play a wild card on the same hand.
There can be no war using wild cards.
If a player plays an Ace wild card, they automatically win all of the cards played that round.
Warning: Strategic use of wild cards can change the course of a game multiple times.
This can greatly increase the time it takes to play!
If youre looking for a strategy-heavy card game, War isnt it.
But some slight alterations can make it less childs play and more of a challenge.
It also has such simple base play, its easy to invent your own variations.
Let us know if youve got a great version of War everyone should be playing!
