Card game war, or simply war, is the most basic of all card games. It is also known as War, Crazy Eights, Slapjack, Pig and Spoons, or Old Maid depending on where you’re from. The game is played with two or more players, and the object of this war card game is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards by placing them on top of the other players’ cards in higher numbers (the number does not have to be sequential). If you can’t play your card, then you draw from the pile until you can play it.
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How to play the card game war?
Setup and play war for two players is simple. The dealer deals each player six cards. One of those cards will be an Ace. Whoever has an Ace in their hand gets one point, and that card is turned over as a show of who has won that round. This process is repeated until someone reaches 30 points, which wins them the game
If you don’t have an ace, you must lay down a pair (two cards of equal value) for your turn, even if it is only worth one point. Two cards of unequal value cannot be paired together (like 3s and 4s). Those cards are then left out in order for everyone else to beat with their pairs (and thus create new pairs), increasing their chance at points. Once all cards have been played, whoever had more points wins.
Strategies for winning
So how do you win? Make sure not to get stuck with too many cards or no pairs because these are guaranteed losers! Be careful not to waste valuable cards by playing low-value ones early on, but also make sure not to hold onto high-value cards too long, or they might get stolen from you! And don’t forget that if someone gets three of a kind. It’s best to team up against them, but if two people have three of a kind then it’s best to join forces. It can be difficult for beginners, but practice makes perfect!
Tips for beginners
Are you having trouble learning how to play War? Maybe you can’t keep up with a faster player, or maybe you just want to improve your strategy. Regardless of your situation, there are a few easy tips that can help you learn how to play and win War better than anyone else at your next family gathering. Here’s what it takes to beat them every time. You’ll be on top in no time!
The best strategy when you have one high number and one low number
First, lead with your lowest number. For example, if you have a 3 in one hand and a 5 in another, lay down your 3. If they lay down a 4, you know they can’t have their other card (either an 8 or 9). So it’s guaranteed that they’re holding either an 8 or 9. But suppose you put down your three first instead of leading with your low number, and then they put down their five. Now both hands hold high numbers (5s), which means neither player is any closer to winning than before you played.
The best strategy when you have one high number and one low number
First, lead with your lowest number. For example, if you have a 3 in one hand and a 5 in another, lay down your 3. If they lay down a 4, you know they can’t have their other card (either an 8 or 9), so it’s guaranteed that they’re holding either an 8 or 9. But suppose you put down your three first instead of leading with your low number—and then they put down their five. Now both hands hold high numbers (5s), which means neither player is any closer to winning than before you played.
More card games like war
If you’re looking for something new and exciting, check out some of these other card games. There are more than you might expect! Or checkout our Board Game randomizer! If you need new playing cards. This button brings you to a list of all the cards on Amazon.
