There are only two software providers that offer the game of Casino War that I know of: Starnet and Real Time Gaming. Real Time Gaming calls the game "War" and Starnet calls it "Battle Royale." It isn't often that Starnet offers the best rules for any game but Casino War is a noteworthy exception.

For those those not familiar with the game the rules are simple. The player and dealer each get one card, the higher one wins. Cards are ranked according to their poker value and aces are always high. A win in the first round pays even money. In the event of a war the player may either surrender half his bet or go to war. If the player goes to war then he must double his wager and player and dealer each get another card. In the event the player wins the second round he wins even money on the original wager and pushes on the raise. If the player loses in the second round he loses both bets. Where the rules can vary is on a second tie. Most land casinos treat a second tie the same way as a second round win.

Both Real Time Gaming and Starnet use a single deck in Casino War. Real Time Gaming follows the conventional rules, resulting in a house edge of 2.42%. Where Starnet departs from the usual rules is paying 3 to 1 on the total amount bet in the event of a tie after a tie. This lowers the house edge to 0.66%, making Casino War, or Battle Royale as they call it, Starnet's second best game after blackjack.

If you do try your luck at Starnet keep in mind they deal a very fast game and even with this comparatively low house edge your bankroll can go quickly.

To locate casinos using Starnet software, use WINNERonline's Casino Search.

About the author: Michael Shackleford is the mathematician and webmaster at The Wizard of Odds, a gambling site focusing on cutting the house edge as much as possible on all casino games through optimal player strategy.