Casino War
Casino War is the casino version of the children's card game: the higher single card wins. It is the simplest game on the floor, with a house edge of roughly 2.9% depending on how ties are handled.
| Rule | Higher card wins |
|---|---|
| House Edge | ~2.9% (going to war on ties) |
| Skill Vs Luck | Pure chance |
How the game works
You and the dealer each receive one card and the higher card wins, with aces high. If the cards tie you choose to ‘surrender’ (forfeit half your bet) or ‘go to war’ — placing an additional bet equal to your original, after which one more card each is dealt. The tie is where the casino makes its money, because winning a war typically pays less than the doubled risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the house edge in Casino War?
Around 2.9% if you always go to war on a tie, and higher if you surrender, making 'going to war' the better of two imperfect choices.
Is there any skill to Casino War?
Almost none — the only decision is whether to surrender or go to war on a tie, and going to war is mathematically better.
Sources
- Published Casino War rules
- Probability theory