The rules of Casino War are the simplest of any game in the casino. If you’re in a rush or simply don’t feel like learning a new game, Casino War is the perfect game.
It’s so easy, in fact, that you could probably learn how to play the game by joining a table and playing for real money.
How to Play Casino War
Casino War is usually played with six standard decks of cards. The cards are ranked in order beginning with 2 as the lowest card and moving up to Aces. Suits are not considered in Casino War.
To begin a round of Casino War, you may place a wager of any amount on the table. The dealer will then match that wager and deal once card face up to you and one card face up to himself.
There are three possible outcomes at this point:
Your card is higher than the dealer’s card: you win your bet and the dealer’s bet.
The dealer’s card is higher than your card: you lose your bet.
Both cards are tied: you may either forfeit your wager and start a new round or go to war.
Going to War
If you decide to go to war, you must place an additional wager equal in size to your first wager. The dealer will also place an additional wager but this bet is just for show. In reality, you are paying to have a chance to break the tie.
Next, the dealer will “burn” (discard) three cards and then deal one card face up to you. After that, the dealer will burn three more cards and deal one card face up to himself.
Once again, there are three possible outcomes:
Your card is higher than the dealer’s card: you win both original bets and your second bet is returned to you without any winnings.
The dealer’s card is higher than your card: you lose both bets.
Both cards are tied again: you win both original bets and your second bet is returned to you without any winnings.
Note – some casinos pay an additional bonus if you tie during a war.
Play of the Game
The player places a bet and the dealer matches that bet with a bet of his own.
The dealer deals once card face up to you and once card face up to himself.
If your card is higher than the dealer’s card, you win both bets. If the dealer’s card is higher, you lose your bet. If the card is a tie, you may either forfeit your bet or go to war.
If you go to war, you must place an additional bet equal in size to your original bet.
The dealer discards three cards and then deals one card face up to you.
The dealer discards three cards and then deals once card face up to himself.
If your new card is higher than the dealer’s card, you win both original bets but your second bet is considered a push (no winnings are paid on it). If the dealer’s card is higher, you lose both bets. Ties are considered a win for the player.
A new round may begin.