How to Play Casino War
If you are looking to get started playing casino card games, an easy way to begin is to learn how to play Casino War. The table game has earned a reputation as one of the easiest to play. It has no complex gameplay mechanics; beat the dealer on a first card draw or "Go to War" on the second to win. It is that simple.
Nevertheless, while casino war gameplay is straightforward, playing it effectively requires mastering its rules, payouts, house edge, and winning strategies. We will highlight these details in this guide so you can play like a pro. Let's get started.
Casino War Game in Brief
Casino War is a notable table game played with four to eight card decks (six is the standard), and up to three players can play per session. The objective is to defeat the dealer by having a higher-valued card. However, if a player happens to have a card that matches that of the dealer, the player can declare "War." The player and the assigned dealer will each receive a second card, and the winner is determined by comparing them.
Here is the order of card ranking in Casino War: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace (suits do not matter).
How to Play Casino War Game
Learning how to play Casino War isn't complex, but players must follow the appropriate gameplay steps:
- Wager placement
- Card dealing and
- War
Casino War Wagers
Placing a wager is the first step to playing Casino War. It qualifies you to participate in a round. The game's table has the following designated betting areas:
- Initial or main wager
- War wager
- Tie wager
After the initial bet has been placed, cards are dealt. You win if your card is higher in rank than the dealer's. However, if you and the dealer happen to have identical cars, you can decide to go to "War," which will require another wager called the "War bet."
The tie wager, on the other hand, is optional. It is placed based on the assumption that a player and the dealer will have matching cards on the first draw. If this happens, you win a significant payout.
Wagering Rules
- You have to place an initial bet before a "War" can occur.
- You can place a tie bet before any cards are dealt.
- War bet requires an additional bet cost equal to the initial wager.
- Players can surrender instead of going to "War." However, they will lose half of the initial wager.
Card Dealing
In Casino War, the dealer deals a card (face up) to each player in the clockwise direction, starting on the left side.
War Rules
The decision to go to "WAR' solely depends on the player whose card matches that of the dealer. If decided, the dealer deals another card to the player, but must first burn three cards preceding it. Afterwards, the dealer burns another three cards and then places the next card face-up for themselves.
However, more than one player can have cards identical to the dealer's and go to WAR. In that case, the dealer burns only one card before giving the first player, and then burns a second card before dealing to the next, and then burns a third card before dealing to themselves.
Additionally, if you and the dealer have identical cards again after "WAR", you will be declared the winner and will receive a bonus payout equal to the initial wager amount. However, note that not all casinos permit this bonus rule.
Casino War House Edge and Payouts
The table below shows Casino War payouts by wager type.
| Wagers | Payout |
|---|---|
| Main bet | 1:1 |
| War bet | 1:1 for direct win and 2:1 for bonus tie |
| Tie bet | 10:1 |
Casino War house edge varies based on the number of decks used, the availability of tie bets, the type of bets placed, and whether surrender is allowed.
| Factors | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Main bet | 2.88% |
| War (with bonus rule) | 2.88% |
| War (without bonus) | 2.33% |
| Surrender | 3.7% |
| Tie Bet | 35.29% (1 deck) 18.65% (6 deck) 17.83% (8 deck) |
| 6 deck (if you always go to war) | 2.06% |
| 7 deck (if you always go to war) | 2.88% |
| 8 deck (if you always go to war) | 2.90% |
How to Win Casino War Card Game
You win the Casino War game if you:
- Outrank the dealer during the first card draw
- Have a second higher card than the dealer if you go to War, or
- Place a tie bet, and on the first card draw, you and the dealer have the same card rank.
Any other outcomes result in a loss, except in casinos where the bonus rules apply, allowing you to get a 2:1 or, in some instances, 3:1 payout for having a time after going to "War."
Casino War Game Winning Strategies
Casino War is a chance-based table game. There are no foolproof tactics for winning. However, there are practical strategies for increasing your chances of winning. They include:
Avoid the Tie Bet
The payout of a tie bet is 10:1. It is tempting, but it's not worth the risk. The tie bet house edge is 18.65% for six decks and 17.83% for eight decks.
Go to WAR
Instead of surrendering when you and the dealer have similar cards, go to WAR. Yes, you have to place an extra wager, but you can recover if you win. However, if you aren't convinced, you can surrender, but be ready to let go of 50% of your main wager.
Read the Casino War Rules
Casino War has different rules set by the house. Some casinos do not offer bonuses for having a tie after going to WAR, while some do. Also, some houses do not allow surrender. Check the rules or ask the dealer before playing.
Manage Your Bankroll
Casino War gameplay is fast-paced. You have to set a budget before playing and start with a small stake; otherwise, you can quickly lose your bankroll.
Be Aware of Your Cards
Master Casino War hand rankings. Remember that Aces win regardless of the suit.
Final Thoughts
Learn how to play Casino War for an entertaining and easy card gaming experience. The table that has helped many relive childhood memories. Its gameplay is fast, the rules are simple, and the payouts are also great. However, ensure you utilize the winning strategies listed in this guide to play effectively.
FAQs
What is the Casino War card game?
Casino War is an easy-to-play card game where players have to beat the dealer on a first draw or "Go to War" on the second to win.
What happens when there is a tie in Casino War?
When there is a tie in Casino War, you either go to "War or surrender, losing half of your initial wager.
What is the house edge in Casino War?
Casino War has a house edge of 2% to 3% when main and war bets are placed. However, tie bets raise the house edge to 18.65%
How to win the Casino War game?
You can increase your Casino War winning chances by understanding its wagering rules, avoiding the tie bet, managing your bankroll, and going to war instead of surrendering.
Can you play Casino War online?
Yes, Casino War is available in some online casinos.