War
One of the simplest card games, based purely on luck. Players simultaneously flip cards and the higher card wins. Ties lead to 'war' where additional cards are played.
What You'll Need
About This Game
One of the simplest card games, based purely on luck. Players simultaneously flip cards and the higher card wins. Ties lead to 'war' where additional cards are played.
How to Play
- Deal entire deck evenly between two players
- Players keep cards face-down in a pile
- Both simultaneously flip their top card
- Higher card wins both cards (placed at bottom of winner's pile)
- On tie: each player places 3 cards face-down, then one face-up
- Winner of face-up cards takes all cards in the war
- If war ties, repeat with another war
- Game ends when one player has all cards (or by time limit)
Where to Buy
History & Background
Speed (also called Spit) developed in the United States during the mid-20th century as a fast-paced competitive shedding game. Its origins are uncertain, as it spread primarily through oral tradition.
The game became popular among teenagers and young adults in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in school cafeterias and college dorms. Its rapid gameplay and physical card-slapping appealed to those seeking excitement.
Speed differs from most card games in that both players play simultaneously rather than taking turns. This creates a frantic, adrenaline-pumping experience unlike traditional card games.
The game has maintained popularity because it requires only a standard deck, takes just minutes to play, and provides genuine competitive excitement. Tournament-style Speed play has developed in some communities, with players developing remarkable hand speed and pattern recognition.