The Bitcoin Cash hard fork (split) war has been a major topic in the cryptocurrency world. This conflict began on November 16, 2018, when Bitcoin Cash split into two separate currencies:
- Bitcoin Cash ABC (BCHABC)
- Bitcoin Cash SV (BCHSV)
In this article, we'll explore:
- The key differences between ABC and SV
- The root causes of the hard fork war
- The progression and aftermath of the conflict
👉 Discover how Bitcoin Cash compares to other leading cryptocurrencies
1. Bitcoin Cash ABC vs SV: Key Differences
Leadership
ABC Leader: Roger Ver
Roger Ver, known as the "father of Bitcoin Cash," leads the ABC faction. An American entrepreneur with St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship, Ver resides in Tokyo and is a passionate advocate for cryptocurrency adoption. He co-founded Bitcoin.com and has significant influence in the crypto space.
SV Leader: Craig Wright
Craig Wright, an Australian computer scientist, heads the SV faction. Wright controversially claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto (Bitcoin's pseudonymous creator). His vision for Bitcoin Cash aligns with what he calls "Satoshi's original protocol."
Naming Origins
ABC: Adjustable Blocksize Cap
The "ABC" name reflects its flexible approach to block size limits, allowing dynamic adjustments.
SV: Satoshi’s Vision
"SV" represents Wright's goal to restore Bitcoin to what he believes was Nakamoto's original vision.
Technical Differences
| Feature | Bitcoin Cash ABC | Bitcoin Cash SV |
|---|---|---|
| Block Size | 32MB | 128MB |
| Hash Power | Dominant | Secondary |
| Philosophy | Pragmatic upgrades | Original protocol |
2. Origins of the Hard Fork War
Disagreements Over Protocol Updates
The conflict stemmed from fundamental differences in how to upgrade Bitcoin Cash's protocol. While ABC supported incremental improvements, SV insisted on strictly following Wright's interpretation of Satoshi's vision.
Craig Wright's Declaration of War
Wright publicly vowed to continue the "hash war" indefinitely, stating on Twitter:
"The answer is NEVER" regarding when SV would stop defending Bitcoin against "dishonest miners."
ABC Under Attack
SV supporters attempted to overwhelm ABC's network by redirecting mining power, aiming to render ABC non-functional.
3. The Hard Fork War: Key Developments
Comparative Performance
Hash Power Dominance
ABC maintained superior hash power throughout most of the conflict, giving it greater network security.
Block Production
ABC processed more transactions and created more blocks than SV during the active conflict period.
Block Size Advantage
SV's larger 128MB blocks theoretically allowed more transactions per block, though this came with tradeoffs.
Roger Ver's Victory Claims
Ver declared ABC the "true Bitcoin Cash" in a YouTube address, citing its network dominance.
No Clear Winner
Both sides suffered significant financial losses. As Ver acknowledged:
"No one wins a war. Some just lose less than others."
Potential Reconciliation
Some SV supporters, including Calvin Ayre, proposed peace agreements to end the costly conflict.
👉 Learn how Bitcoin Cash fits into today's crypto ecosystem
FAQ: Bitcoin Cash Hard Fork
Q: What was the main reason for the Bitcoin Cash split?
A: Fundamental disagreements about protocol direction between development factions led to the hard fork.
Q: Which version 'won' the hash war?
A: While ABC maintained greater hash power, both networks continue operating independently with dedicated supporters.
Q: How does this affect Bitcoin Cash investors?
A: The split created two separate assets (BCH and BSV), requiring wallet compatibility checks and potential tax implications.
Q: Are ABC and SV compatible?
A: No - they operate as distinct cryptocurrencies with different protocols and development teams.
Q: What's the current status of Bitcoin Cash?
A: Both networks continue developing independently, with ABC generally maintaining greater adoption and exchange support.
Q: Should I invest in BCH or BSV?
A: This depends on your assessment of each project's technology and community support - conduct thorough research before investing.
The Bitcoin Cash hard fork represents one of cryptocurrency's most notable governance challenges, demonstrating how protocol disagreements can lead to network splits. While the immediate conflict has subsided, its lessons continue influencing blockchain development approaches today.