Casino War is one of the simplest and most exciting card games available at casinos. It’s based on the classic childhood card game “War” but adapted for the casino environment. The rules are easy to understand, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual players.
Table of Contents
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of Casino War, including how to play, the rules, strategies, side bets, and payouts.
What is Casino War?
Casino War is a head-to-head card game between the player and the dealer. The main objective is simple: Get a higher card than the dealer. If your card is higher, you win; if it’s lower, you lose. If there’s a tie, you’ll have a decision to make—either surrender or go to “war.”
Card Rankings
The card rankings in Casino War follow standard poker rules. Suits don’t matter—only the rank (or value) of the card.
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2–10 | Face value |
| Jack (J) | 11 |
| Queen (Q) | 12 |
| King (K) | 13 |
| Ace (A) | 14 |
How to Play Casino War
Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing a standard game of Casino War:
Step 1: Place Your Bet
Before the cards are dealt, place your initial wager. This is your main bet, and some casinos also allow a side bet called the Tie Bet (more on this later).
Step 2: Dealing the Cards
Both you and the dealer are dealt one card face-up.
Step 3: Compare the Cards
- If your card is higher, you win even money (1:1 payout).
- If your card is lower, you lose your bet.
- If both cards are equal, it’s a tie, and you have two options:
Step 4: Decide on a Tie
If there’s a tie, you can:
- Surrender – You forfeit half your original bet.
- Go to War – Match (double) your original bet.
Step 5: Going to War
If you choose to go to war:
- The dealer burns (discards) three cards and deals one more card to both you and themselves.
- If your new card beats or ties the dealer’s, you win even money on the raise bet and push (no win/loss) on the original bet.
- If the dealer’s card is higher, you lose both bets.
Payouts Table
Here’s a summary of the possible outcomes and how much you win:
| Outcome | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Player’s card is higher than dealer’s | 1:1 |
| Loss | Player’s card is lower than dealer’s | -1 (lose bet) |
| Tie + Surrender | Player forfeits | -0.5 (lose half) |
| Tie + Go to War (Win/Tie) | Player’s second card ties/beats dealer | 1:1 on raise, push on original |
| Tie + Go to War (Lose) | Player’s second card is lower | -2 (lose both bets) |
| Tie Bet | Player bets on a tie happening | 10:1 or 11:1 (varies by casino) |
Optional Side Bet: Tie Bet
Many casinos offer a Tie Bet, a side wager placed alongside the main bet. This bet pays out if your first card and the dealer’s first card are the same rank.
| Side Bet | Trigger | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Tie Bet | Both cards are the same | 10:1 or 11:1 |
Note: The Tie Bet has a high house edge (over 18%), making it a risky option.
House Edge
Here’s a breakdown of the house edge in Casino War:
| Bet Type | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Main Bet (Go to War on tie) | ~2.88% |
| Main Bet (Surrender on tie) | ~3.70% |
| Tie Bet | ~18% |
As shown, the main bet has a relatively low house edge compared to many other casino games—especially if you always choose to go to war instead of surrendering.
Basic Strategy Tips
While Casino War is largely a game of chance, you can still follow a few strategic guidelines:
- Always go to war on a tie
Statistically, it reduces the house edge compared to surrendering. - Avoid the Tie Bet
The high house edge makes it a poor long-term choice. - Set limits
Because the game is fast-paced and simple, it’s easy to get carried away. Manage your bankroll carefully. - Know the payouts at your casino
Some casinos offer better tie bet payouts (like 11:1 instead of 10:1), which can influence your decision.
Casino War is one of the easiest and fastest table games to play in a casino. With its straightforward rules and minimal strategy, it’s a great game for beginners or anyone looking for a break from more complex games like poker or blackjack.
Though it doesn’t offer the deep strategic opportunities of other games, its simplicity is part of its charm. Just remember: go to war on ties, skip the side bets, and have fun!
Did You Know?
Casino War is one of the few casino games where a tie can work in your favor—if you play your cards right (literally)!
