Casino War

A very simple card game where player and dealer each receive one card and the higher card wins, with a special 'war' resolution when the two cards tie.

Definition

Casino War is based on the children's card game War. The player and dealer each get one card; the higher card (aces high) wins even money and a lower card loses. On a tie, the player chooses to surrender (forfeit half the bet) or 'go to war' by matching the original bet; three cards are then burned and each side gets a new card, with the player winning the tie-break. Despite its simplicity, the house edge is meaningful, typically around 2.9% when going to war on ties, because the war resolution and the burn cards are structured to favour the dealer. Some versions offer a side bet on a tie that carries a much larger edge.

Worked example

You bet $10 and receive a Queen while the dealer shows a Queen, a tie. You choose to go to war and add another $10. After three burned cards you draw a King and the dealer draws a 4, so you win. Under common rules you are paid on only part of the doubled stake, which is where the house's advantage in the war scenario comes from.

Why it matters

For learners, Casino War proves that even the simplest, most intuitive game still carries a real long-run edge for the operator. For professionals, it is a useful example of how a seemingly fair 50/50 game hides its margin in the tie-resolution rules.

Related

Note: The roughly 2.9% edge (going to war on ties) is standard for six-deck games; surrendering on every tie is worse, and the tie side bet carries a much higher edge.