War Casino Card Game

Casino War is a simple and popular card game found in many casinos around the world. It is based on the classic card game "War" that many people played as children. Casino War was developed by SHFL (a company under the Scientific Games banner) as a way to provide a carefree and easy-going gaming experience for adults.

The rules of Casino War are straightforward, making it one of the easiest casino games to play. Here's how it works:

Basic Rules of Casino War:

  1. Casino War is typically played with six decks of cards, and the cards are ranked according to standard poker rankings.
  2. Aces are always considered high in this game.
  3. Suits have no ranking or effect on the game.
  4. Players place their bets on the outcome of a single card, either by betting on the player's card or the dealer's card.

Gameplay Steps:

  1. Place your bet on the designated betting area at the Casino War table.
  2. The dealer will then deal one card to you and one card to themselves.
  3. Compare the rank of your card with the dealer's card:
  • If your card is higher than the dealer's card, you win even money on your bet.
  • If the dealer's card is higher than yours, you lose your bet.

Tie Situation:

  • In the event of a tie (both you and the dealer have cards of the same rank), you have two options:
  1. Surrender: You can choose to surrender, in which case you forfeit half of your bet, and the other half is returned to you.
  2. Go to "War": If you decide to go to war, you must raise your bet by an amount equal to your initial bet. The dealer will then burn three cards and deal one more card to you and one more card to themselves. If your second card is of equal or higher rank than the dealer's second card, you win even money on the raised bet, and the initial bet is a push. If the dealer has the higher card, you lose both bets.

Casino War Bets and Odds:

  • The standard bet in Casino War is on the "ante," and it pays even money. For example, a $20 bet wins you $20, in addition to your original $20 stake.
  • There is also an optional side bet on a tie, which typically pays at 10-1 odds. A tie bet can be appealing due to its high payout, but it has a low probability of occurring.

House Edge:

  • The house edge in Casino War primarily comes from tie situations. If a tie occurs and you go to war, the house edge is approximately 2.88%. If you choose to surrender on a tie, the house edge increases to about 3.7%. Therefore, it's generally better to go to war on a tie to reduce the house edge.

Casino War Strategy:

  • Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses or betting your entire bankroll in one hand.
  • Side Bet: While the tie bet offers a high payout, it has a low likelihood of occurring, so use caution when considering this bet.
  • Surrender or War: Opt for war on a tie to reduce the house edge, as surrendering increases the house edge.
  • Double Tie Bonus: Some casinos offer a "Double Tie Bonus," which can be a favorable option for players. It can enhance your chances of an additional win without risking additional bets.

In conclusion, Casino War is a simple and enjoyable casino game, making it suitable for novice players. It has a relatively low house edge, and bets pay even money, which can keep players entertained for a while. While the tie bet may be tempting due to its high payout, it rarely occurs, so players should exercise caution. When faced with a tie, it's generally better to go to war to reduce the house edge.