Does anyone play the table game Casino War???

I understand the game. It's basically high low on a deck of cards where the highest hand wins.

1.) Does anyone play this? And if so, what's the fascination with the game? I just don't get it. Not exactly deriving the same pleasure as say a game of craps. Each to his own and everything, but what drives you to play this?

2.) Is there a strategy to playing this like counting cards.....?

3.) Do you ever see people with significant win streaks playing this?

Quote: Asswhoopermcdaddy

I understand the game. It's basically high low on a deck of cards where the highest hand wins.

1.) Does anyone play this? And if so, what's the fascination with the game? I just don't get it. Not exactly deriving the same pleasure as say a game of craps. Each to his own and everything, but what drives you to play this?

2.) Is there a strategy to playing this like counting cards.....?

3.) Do you ever see people with significant win streaks playing this?

Clark Griswold made millions playing the game. He used Rob Singer's patented system.

Quote: Asswhoopermcdaddy

I understand the game. It's basically high low on a deck of cards where the highest hand wins.

1.) Does anyone play this? And if so, what's the fascination with the game? I just don't get it. Not exactly deriving the same pleasure as say a game of craps. Each to his own and everything, but what drives you to play this?

2.) Is there a strategy to playing this like counting cards.....?

3.) Do you ever see people with significant win streaks playing this?

Haven't played it. Saw it played at the Casino in Niagra Falls. Made my buddy wait for about five minutes while I tried to figure where the house edge was. The only reason I can see that some people like it is that War is a childrens card game and it reminds them of playing as a kid. Also, because of this a five year old could play so it is easy. Only decision is to go to war or not. Zero strategy involved. Counting would be useless since high or low cards give neither side an advantage.

Quote: Asswhoopermcdaddy

1.) Does anyone play this?

I can't. I played that game when I was 6! I can't possibly take it seriously enough to bet on it. It would be like betting on jacks, or hide and seek.

Quote: AZDuffman

Made my buddy wait for about five minutes while I tried to figure where the house edge was.

If you lose a war you lose double, if you win a war you get paid on the original bet and the raise is a push. (I never played it, I remember from reading the WoO site.)

Quote: Mosca

If you lose a war you lose double, if you win a war you get paid on the original bet and the raise is a push. (I never played it, I remember from reading the WoO site.)

Where I saw it I think you lost the tie-bet but could make a new bet and go to war. Or even in a war you lost the push. Somehow the pushes were involved. Only possible way I could see wanting to play was because Clark Griswold played and you wanted to say you did as well.

I play Casino War. I use it to pass a llittle time. And the scary thing is I actually enjoy it. Saying that, I only get to play it when I go to Vegas, and even then I only play it once in 2 weeks.

I have a new game that is going to be field trialed in Las Vegas in February and it's a Blackjack variation with a 'War' twist.

I'm hoping that 'War' players will like the added action and that Blackjack players will like the fact that they cannot 'bust' in the game.
I'll post some details on the Inventors' Corner nearer the time.

I must admit that I find 'War' rather boring so I'm hoping that this new game, 'Neverbust Blackjack' will provide enough excitement to interest players.

Quote: AZDuffman

Only possible way I could see wanting to play was because Clark Griswold played and you wanted to say you did as well.

"Did as well" ?

Didn't he LOSE?

Yes I played it at The Venetian and Sands in Macau.

Its really simple, no strategy that I can see. The player and dealer both get one card, highest card wins, In the event of a tie, the player can either surrender and lose the bet, or "Go to war". In this case the player and the casino matches the original bet, and the player and dealer both get another card after the dealer has burned 3 cards. Then high card wins. If a tie again, the player wins the whole pot.

Usually the cards are from a 6 deck shoe (no jokers), so no point in card counting.

The chance of the player or dealer winning in the first deal is 46.3% but the house advantage is in the case of the tie.

The golden rule is in the event of a tie, never surrender.

There is the option of a side bet which pays 10:1, the bet being paid if the player and dealer tie. Players can play their own card as well as any other players card if they so desire.

I played the game to kill time waiting for a certain roulette table. Its fast paced, simple and is best when all places at the table are taken.

I had some good runs, from memory double my starting amount in 20 minutes. But its sheer luck in my view.

Model Karina got a kick out of the game. She was just laughing her head off for a solid minute after I explained the rules.



I know the guy who invented the game well. As I recall, he said the object is to have a non-threatening game to introduce inexperienced players to table games.

Sorry, card counting won't help. Shuffle tracking is probably the most vulnerable way to beat the game.

Wiz you meet all the cute models!

Always wondered what the fascination was to this game. Guess it's just as simple as this forum described. Thanks for the feedback!!

Quote: Wizard

I know the guy who invented the game well. As I recall, he said the object is to have a non-threatening game to introduce inexperienced players to table games.

Sorry, card counting won't help. Shuffle tracking is probably the most vulnerable way to beat the game.

And he's right. It was the first (and for a few months, only) table game that my girlfriend would play.

Quote: Wizard

I know the guy who invented the game well. As I recall, he said the object is to have a non-threatening game to introduce inexperienced players to table games.

If that guy is the same person who wrote the flyer explaining the rules, please whack him on the head for me the next time you see him. The "War" phase of the game gives the house its advantage (and a hefty advantage it is). The wording of the rules is extremely and DELIBERATELY misleading. It ends with the phrase "YOU WIN IT ALL!" being used to describe a situation where the player (if he's lucky) GETS HIS BET BACK--in other words, a push.

I HATE (hate, hate, hate) deliberate obfuscation in the casino's presentation of a game and its rules. I rank the wording quoted above on a par with the Spanish 21 game signs that tell you all the wonderful bonuses available and then, at the verrrrrrry bottom, in 4-point type, there is the phrase, "all 10s removed from the shoe".

Quote: mkl654321

If that guy is the same person who wrote the flyer explaining the rules, please whack him on the head for me the next time you see him. The "War" phase of the game gives the house its advantage (and a hefty advantage it is).

In that case, wouldn't it be wise to just decline going to war 100% of the time? Would that reduce the house advantage to 0, or is does the house have an edge in the non-war phase as well?

Quote: ElectricDreams

In that case, wouldn't it be wise to just decline going to war 100% of the time? Would that reduce the house advantage to 0, or is does the house have an edge in the non-war phase as well?

You lose 1/2 your wager.

I've played a fair amount of it the past few times in Vegas. I played mostly with my Grandma who had never played a table game before that and found War even more exciting than her normal slots. Anything to please her right?

It is what it is, no strategy involved.


When playing at Harrah's my brother and I actually enjoy Triple Shot:

https://wizardofodds.com/tripleshot

Odds be damned, I derive a lot of enjoyment from it.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Quote: AZDuffman

Only possible way I could see wanting to play was because Clark Griswold played and you wanted to say you did as well.

"Did as well" ?

Didn't he LOSE?

You are using that wrong, I meant "as well" as in "also" not "as good."

Or did you know what I meant and having some fun with me :-) ?


BTW: I'd be happy do do as well as he did--lose $100 then go back to the room with Beverly D'Angelo waiting? She still looked pretty good then.......

Quote: AZDuffman

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Quote: AZDuffman

Only possible way I could see wanting to play was because Clark Griswold played and you wanted to say you did as well.

"Did as well" ?

Didn't he LOSE?

You are using that wrong, I meant "as well" as in "also" not "as good."

Or did you know what I meant and having some fun with me :-) ?

Nope. I completely didn't see what you meant. Even now, it's taking a couple shots to 'get it'. Yeah, I now get it.

Sigh. That's one of the problems with forums....

Quote: mkl654321

If that guy is the same person who wrote the flyer explaining the rules, please whack him on the head for me the next time you see him. The "War" phase of the game gives the house its advantage (and a hefty advantage it is). The wording of the rules is extremely and DELIBERATELY misleading. It ends with the phrase "YOU WIN IT ALL!" being used to describe a situation where the player (if he's lucky) GETS HIS BET BACK--in other words, a push.

I don't think he came up with carnival game wording you refer to. However, I tried to take him to task for it anyway. I'm not sure if he didn't understand my point, or just disagreed with it, but he vehemently defended the game. He just kept repeating, "What is so difficult, both player and dealer match the bet and the winner takes every bet on the table?" I, for one, agree with you.

When I played in Macau the 6 decks were shuffled in a "shufflemaster" machine after each round.
The maximum number players I think was 8, each drawing 2 cards unless there was a tie.
In that case another 2 cards (per tie) plus 3 burned cards were dealt from the shoe.
So maybe a maximum of 25 cards per round assuming the table was full, then reshuffle.

I think shuffle tracking may not be of much use. My view only.

Quote: mkl654321

The wording of the rules is extremely and DELIBERATELY misleading.
I hate deliberate obfuscation in the casino's presentation of a game and its rules. I rank the wording quoted above on a par with the Spanish 21 game signs that tell you all the wonderful bonuses available and then, at the very bottom, in 4-point type, there is the phrase, "all 10s removed from the shoe".

Full and frank disclosure is rarely the rule in Las Vegas, particularly from the viewpoint of an inexperienced gambler who has had the casino pouring alcohol down his gullet for awhile and can barely navigate his fanny-pack around the casino floor.

However, its supposed to be a festive atmosphere, so what do you want the casino to do:
Post a sign saying: The woman who stops to chat with you is probably a hooker. The Strip Club is so named because it strips your money from you and has only ugly girls. The nick-name One Armed Bandit was invented for a reason. The drinks are watered and that waitress smiles at you so she can get tips not because she is hot for you.

Casino War is a simple Hi Lo card game from childhood often remembered as Strip Hi Lo, the card game of choice before kids learned the various poker hands for Strip Poker. Its a not particularly intimidating card game ideal as an introductory way to wean someone away from pressing a little red button all night long.

Las Vegas is not known for full and frank disclosure. It never has been. It never will be.

Quote: FleaStiff

Las Vegas is not known for full and frank disclosure. It never has been. It never will be.

Of course. But the wording I referred to in the War brochure is deliberately misleading. Putting the single most important feature of Spanish 21 in tiny tiny tiny type at the very bottom of the sign is deliberately misleading. Why, you should ask yourself, didn't they put that info in the same size type as the rest of the sign? (Obviously, Gaming forced them to post that info, so they tried to comply with the letter of the regulation while perverting its intent.)

Vegas has always touted itself as a place where the gambling is fair and honest. Deliberately obscuring important rules/features of a game destroys any trust a player might have had that that was true. I don't think the average visitor carries with him an expectation that he will be scammed.

Quote:

Putting the single most important feature of Spanish 21 in tiny tiny tiny type at the very bottom of the sign is deliberately misleading. Why, you should ask yourself, didn't they put that info in the same size type as the rest of the sign?

If you're referring to the white plastic sign that explains the bonuses and rules designed to hold the rack cards, I'm almost certain that the text mentioning the removal of ten-spots is the same size as the rest of the text on the sign -- if it's smaller, it's imperceptibly so, as it's certainly quite legible to me. Sure, it's on the bottom. Should they be required to advertise the worst parts of a game first? It's a proprietary table game with a house edge under 1% (or under 0.5% for the redouble variant), hardly the stuff that rip-offs are made of.

Quote: CRMousseau

If you're referring to the white plastic sign that explains the bonuses and rules designed to hold the rack cards, I'm almost certain that the text mentioning the removal of ten-spots is the same size as the rest of the text on the sign -- if it's smaller, it's imperceptibly so, as it's certainly quite legible to me. Sure, it's on the bottom. Should they be required to advertise the worst parts of a game first? It's a proprietary table game with a house edge under 1% (or under 0.5% for the redouble variant), hardly the stuff that rip-offs are made of.

It only has that low house edge if the players realize what's going on and adjust their playing strategy accordingly. If a player uses normal Basic Strategy on Spanish 21, he'll get shredded, which is what the house is hoping for.

And the "no 10s in the deck" wording is indeed much, much smaller than all the other type, and at the very bottom of the sign (I'm probably not referring to the same type of sign you are). Why, you might ask? Could it be that they don't really want players to notice it?

I agree that the casino has the right to deceive, mislead, and hoodwink its players, but that's not the best way to inspire trust.

Quote:

It only has that low house edge if the players realize what's going on and adjust their playing strategy accordingly. If a player uses normal Basic Strategy on Spanish 21, he'll get shredded, which is what the house is hoping for.

If the player played normal blackjack basic strategy at Spanish 21, he'd only be at a 2.0-2.5% disadvantage, which is high by blackjack standards but lower than virtually all proprietary games.

I'm curious what sign you're referring to -- the sign I'm referring to is a white plastic sign with a rack-card holder in the back. It first lists the player advantageous rules, then the bonus payouts, then the "played with six Spanish decks" bit.

Quote: CRMousseau

If the player played normal blackjack basic strategy at Spanish 21, he'd only be at a 2.0-2.5% disadvantage, which is high by blackjack standards but lower than virtually all proprietary games.

I'm curious what sign you're referring to -- the sign I'm referring to is a white plastic sign with a rack-card holder in the back. It first lists the player advantageous rules, then the bonus payouts, then the "played with six Spanish decks" bit.

The sign I'm referring to isn't white--it's usually green, sometimes red, and sometimes a rather tasteful, understated brownish-red. It's quite large--about a foot high. I don't recall seeing the specific term "Spanish Decks" (presumably because there are no such things), but I definitely recall seeing the "ALL TENS (or, "10s") REMOVED FROM THE DECKS" in very, very small type at the bottom.

I would like to know what the hold is on Spanish 21 vs. regular 21. My guess would be that it's a LOT higher. Most of the blunders that unskilled players make in regular blackjack would be magnified in Spanish 21, since most bad players don't hit enough (they have an existential fear of busting, and then finding out the dealer had a hard 16 all along). A reluctance to hit is death in Spanish 21.

Quote: Nareed

I can't. I played that game when I was 6! I can't possibly take it seriously enough to bet on it. It would be like betting on jacks, or hide and seek.

I'd play casino Hide and Seek for money.

Quote: mkl654321

I would like to know what the hold is on Spanish 21 vs. regular 21. My guess would be that it's a LOT higher. Most of the blunders that unskilled players make in regular blackjack would be magnified in Spanish 21, since most bad players don't hit enough (they have an existential fear of busting, and then finding out the dealer had a hard 16 all along). A reluctance to hit is death in Spanish 21.

10-18% for Blackjack versus 25-30% for Spanish 21. Based on Atlantic City gaming reports.

The Match the Dealer has a lot to do with it too, I think. Almost everybody plays that bet.

Quote: TheNightfly

I'd play casino Hide and Seek for money.

I wouldn't.

But I'd play casino hopscotch for money ;)

I have to assume 90%+ of the attaction to the game is when they played it when they were younger. I remember playing this when I was like 8 or 10 and the games would last forever.

Played a bit of casino war on Sat while waiting for a soccer game to start. A bit like Baccarat except no guessing or looking at meaningless prior patterns. No half price on a Banker 6, half price only when you elect to go to war (never happened). Pleased my 100% success rate is still intact, never lost playing this game :-)

Used a Fibonacci progression, biggest bet 13 units a few times, love the zero HE aspect, until there is a Tie.

Quote: egalite

Used a Fibonacci progression, biggest bet 13 units a few times, love the zero HE aspect, until there is a Tie.

I don't think you need to worry about any sort of "heat" while playing this game. I doubt surveillance much cares about it. Being able to vary your bets is great, but there really is no "count" to the deck.

Wasn't concerned about any heat the table max is only $500, reimbursed myself for the tank of gas and cigarettes I bought on my way to the casino. I call it Baccarat's cousin, closest to 9 for the former, highest card for the War game". No brainer, as with ALL casino games (including BJ), everything comes down to the staking plan being used.

There is a myth out there that there isn't a strategy in "Casino War" but you are right and wrong. The reason you are right is because there is luck in this game but the reason you are wrong is because if you pay attention to what cards are coming out then you will have greater success than people who are just putting their money in the circle hoping their card wins. I play this game religiously and I'm successful about 60 percent of the time which is a pretty good percentage. I came in the Casino with $20 and ended up leaving with $400 2.5 hours later. I've lost alot and won alot playing this game. When I lose, many times is because someone isn't paying attention to the cards and adding an extra hand that isn't needed. Of course the House has the advantage but if you play your cards correct than you can be successful. I came in the Casino multiple of times with less than $100 and ended up winning $500 plus. I've also seen players leave the table with 10 stacks ($10,000.00) or more. I've seen 18+ hand runs multiple times to answer you question.

Here is my strategy (Remember this isn't a 100% you're gonna win method);

1) Don't play against the Table!!! The House is gonna eat meaning you aren't gonna win every hand, I repeat you aren't gonna win every hand. The object of the
game is to give the Dealer the lowest card possible. It's the table against the Dealer not the player against other players and Dealer.

2) Pay attention to the card flow. If 3 hands (3 Player Hands plus 1 Dealer Hand) is winning majority of the time, you ride that out. Momma always said if it isn't
broke, don't fix it. Don't change the number of hands being played because you lost once. If the number of hands being played is losing majority of the time then
change the number of cards being played.

3) The best number of hands to play are 3 or less. The more hands being played the better chances of the house to win.

4) If possible, you want to play with the House money not yours.

5) Press (Stack your winnings each hand) when you are on a multi card run and play minimum (Or not play at all) when you think you might lose or situation is iffy.

6) Play your ties (Second or red circle). Playing your ties will allow you to get ahead of the house. This is a game of runs, some are losing and some are winning.
You're gonna have some bad nights and you're gonna have some "On Fire Nights". Placing a $5 chip on the tie will save you everytime because it will give you the
choice to surrender or go to war. The Tie is 10 to 1, second best odds in the Casino (Baccarat is the best 30-1). If you happen to be lucky and play the tie at the
right time and win, surrender surrender surrender. Ties come in two's and three's meaning they repeat their selves. After War, repeat your bet!!!

7) Most of all, have fun!!!!!! This is a game of good vibes. Any negative energy around, the game will follow.

Quote: FreakyGeek4Lyfe

There is a myth out there that there isn't a strategy in "Casino War" but you are right and wrong. The reason you are right is because there is luck in this game but the reason you are wrong is because if you pay attention to what cards are coming out then you will have greater success than people who are just putting their money in the circle hoping their card wins. I play this game religiously and I'm successful about 60 percent of the time which is a pretty good percentage. I came in the Casino with $20 and ended up leaving with $400 2.5 hours later. I've lost alot and won alot playing this game. When I lose, many times is because someone isn't paying attention to the cards and adding an extra hand that isn't needed. Of course the House has the advantage but if you play your cards correct than you can be successful. I came in the Casino multiple of times with less than $100 and ended up winning $500 plus. I've also seen players leave the table with 10 stacks ($10,000.00) or more. I've seen 18+ hand runs multiple times to answer you question.

Here is my strategy (Remember this isn't a 100% you're gonna win method);

1) Don't play against the Table!!! The House is gonna eat meaning you aren't gonna win every hand, I repeat you aren't gonna win every hand. The object of the
game is to give the Dealer the lowest card possible. It's the table against the Dealer not the player against other players and Dealer.

2) Pay attention to the card flow. If 3 hands (3 Player Hands plus 1 Dealer Hand) is winning majority of the time, you ride that out. Momma always said if it isn't
broke, don't fix it. Don't change the number of hands being played because you lost once. If the number of hands being played is losing majority of the time then
change the number of cards being played.

3) The best number of hands to play are 3 or less. The more hands being played the better chances of the house to win.

4) If possible, you want to play with the House money not yours.

5) Press (Stack your winnings each hand) when you are on a multi card run and play minimum (Or not play at all) when you think you might lose or situation is iffy.

6) Play your ties (Second or red circle). Playing your ties will allow you to get ahead of the house. This is a game of runs, some are losing and some are winning.
You're gonna have some bad nights and you're gonna have some "On Fire Nights". Placing a $5 chip on the tie will save you everytime because it will give you the
choice to surrender or go to war. The Tie is 10 to 1, second best odds in the Casino (Baccarat is the best 30-1). If you happen to be lucky and play the tie at the
right time and win, surrender surrender surrender. Ties come in two's and three's meaning they repeat their selves. After War, repeat your bet!!!

7) Most of all, have fun!!!!!! This is a game of good vibes. Any negative energy around, the game will follow.

Well, you're correct on #2. Could have been worse.


ZCore13

Just came from the Casino yesterday and left with $500. I know that isn't much money but coming in with only $50, that is a come-up fo sho. My strategy is pretty effective if you use it correctly and of course it's not 100%.

Skimmed through thread.

No mention of staying hydrated.

System does not check out

Quote: FreakyGeek4Lyfe

My strategy is pretty effective.

We are all very happy for you.

How to be "good vibes" when pet armadillo just passed away? Your strategy says nothing about this malfeasance. Can't believe people are that incensitive. Freedom of speech doesn't mean you can mock anyone for any reason. Clyde wants an apology.

I heard this game exists as a gateway to other table games. The main purpose of the game is to take away the intimidation factor of table games.

I think it's to teach players how to buy chips at the table, how to put chips into the betting circle, how to color up your chips before you leave, learning that red chips are worth $5 and greens are worth $25, etc.

Quote: FreakyGeek4Lyfe

There is a myth out there ....

I agree.