A classic game of War is a great way to spend time with family and friends. The object of the game is to win all the cards in the deck, and this strategy guide will help you get there. War is a game of luck, but a strategy can help tip the odds in your favor.

First, let’s review the basics. Cards are dealt out evenly between two players and each player takes turns flipping one card face up. The highest card of the two visible at any given time, wins the “war” taking all the cards in the battle. When there is a tie, the players are forced into a “war” and the next three cards, taking turns, are all flipped over with the high card winning, plus any cards that were warred over.

With that in mind, here are some tips to remember when playing War:

1. Pay attention to the cards your opponent flips over. This can give you insight into which suits your opponent is likely to have, allowing you to get an advantage in determining when to go to war.

2. Pay attention to the number of cards your opponent has. For instance, if he has three of one suit, you can anticipate him having more of that suit. You can use this information to make a strategic decision about when to initiate a war.

3. Count your cards and make sure you have an equal number to your opponent. It’s easy to forget in the course of the game or change the number without noticing.

4. Don’t be too aggressive in the beginning of the game, when the deck has more cards. If you make too many wars early on in the game, you could be left with fewer cards in the end.

5. Always make a strong first move. Opening with a high card can quickly establish dominance in a hand and can sometimes get your opponent to fold easier.

6. Be mindful of the number of cards your opponent has. A player with a smaller hand is more likely to play defensively and go to war less. Meanwhile, a player with a larger hand can be more aggressive and go to war more.

7. Pay attention to when someone puts a lot of cards up for a “war”. This can sometimes signal that your opponent is desperate and vulnerable, making them easier to beat.

8. If your opponent is playing with a lot of high cards early on, try to set up a “war” where you have an edge. For instance, if your opponent has all the aces, prepare to put up two or three more cards that might beat their ace.

9. Go to war cautiously. The risk of losing your cards is greater when you go to war, so weigh the odds carefully.

10. Don’t be scared to lose. Confidence is key in War. Folding to keep your cards could cost you the game if your opponent flips over both the high card and the second highest card.

11. Take advantage of your opponents obvious weaknesses. If you have an obvious advantage, like a strong hand or if you know your opponent has a lot of one suit, don’t hesitate to make a risky move.

12. Have enough courage to make a bold move when the situation calls for it. A “war” that you win because you risked more cards then your opponent will be worth it in the end.

13. Consider how you’ll make your move based on how your opponent has reacted. If they’ve been making war every turn, don’t hesitate to make a bold move in return.

14. Be savvy and look for moves that will take your opponent by surprise. For instance, instead of placing a card that you know will win the battle, play a card that is two or three ranks lower, but still beats your opponent’s card.

15. Play the odds. If you know what cards your opponent has, you can more easily guess which one they’ll flip over next. This can give you an edge, since you can strategically play a card that you know will win the war.

16. Know when to push your luck. If you’re in a situation where you can potentially win a war without putting too many cards at risk, go for it.

17. Balance aggression and defense. You don’t want to play too defensively and risk getting beaten too easily, but playing too aggressively can also cost you the game if you make too many risky moves.

18. Familiarize yourself with the effects of the special cards. The Ace, King, Queen, and Jack are all higher value cards and can be used strategically in a game of War.

19. Be flexible. The game and the strategy can change quickly, so you need to be able to adapt as the game progresses.

20. Have fun! Although War is a game of strategy as much as luck, it’s still important to enjoy the game and have fun while playing.

Following these tips should help you win more often in a game of War, but remember that luck and probability still play a major role.