Casino War
Based on the children game of war, Casino War is a simple game with a large following. However, the downside is that the house normally has a huge edge - something that hardly appears to bother fans of this rapid-play and exciting game.
In This Game Overview
- About Casino War Card Game
- Casus belli
About Casino War Card Game
Casino war is an adult's version of the children game of war. The game is quick and easy to learn, although it does give the house a rather hefty edge over the players. Normally played with six standard 52-card decks, card counting is not an option. Card values are organized as in a normal game of poker, with aces always high.
After placing the initial bet, game play begins with one card dealt to the dealer, and one to the player. If the dealer's card is higher than the player's, then the dealer wins and the player loses his bet. If the player's card is higher, then the player wins an amount equal to his wager.
Casus belli
Ties occur surprisingly often, and the player is then faced with two options. The player can surrender, and lose half of his bet, or he can go to war with the dealer. Going to war involves placing an extra bet, the same size as the initial wager. The dealer then discards three cards before dealing himself and the player a new card. If the player's card is higher than the dealer's, then the player wins an amount equal to his original bet. If the dealer's card is higher, the player loses both his original bet, and his "going to war" wager.
For normal play, both player and dealer have an equal chance of winning - just short of 50%. However, it is when ties occur that the house edge becomes apparent. Some casinos will offer a bonus payout if a further tie occurs after going to war, which decreases the house advantage. Other casinos increase the number of decks in play to eight, which increases the house advantage. Surrendering is an option that once again increases the house advantage and should be avoided.
