
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why Andar Bahar is one of India’s most-played card games? Real money Andar Bahar is deeply rooted in South Indian traditions. Originating in Karnataka, it has evolved from a festive pastime to a widely enjoyed game in modern casinos and online platforms.
Hence, if you are looking for an exciting card game, this article is for you. This is your concise guide to Andar Bahar from rules, strategies, and tips. It will also answer questions like how to play Andar Bahar.
What is Andar Bahar Card Game?
Andar Bahar, known as ‘Katti’, is a popular Indian card game often played for fun and entertainment. It is straightforward, fast-paced, and requires minimal equipment, making it a favourite in social settings. The game involves a standard deck of 52 playing cards.
In this game, the dealer places a Joker card in the centre and alternately deals cards to the "Andar" and "Bahar" positions. The round ends when a card matching the Joker appears, and bets on that side win. The exact format is used in the online Andar Bhar, and the payouts are typically 1:1. The game is known for its simplicity and quick rounds, making it a favourite in social settings.
Andar Bahar Game History
Andar Bahar is a popular Indian card game that originated in South India. Its roots can be traced back to Karnataka, where it was traditionally played during Diwali and other festive occasions. Here’s the origin and history of the Andar Bahar card game:
Origins in Southern India
Also known as Mangatha, Andar Bahar is believed to have originated centuries ago in southern India, in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The game started as a street or household card game and was casually played among friends and family. The game’s simplicity made it ideal for informal settings.
Popularity in Indian Culture
Over time, Andar bahar has become a common pastime during festivals, family gatherings, and local celebrations. It started as a casual game and gradually evolved as a local gambling culture, especially in urban areas. Now, you can enjoy this game in traditional settings, modern casinos, and online platforms, contributing to its enduring popularity in card games.
How To Play Andar Bahar – Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to play the Andar Bahar game:
Objective
The objective is to predict which side, ‘Andar’ or ‘Bahar’, will receive a card of the same rank as the initially drawn card.
Number of Players
- You can play Andar Bahar with a single dealer and multiple players, but it can also be played one-on-one.
- The number of participants is not limited. The more players, the more exciting the game can be.
Use A Standard Deck of Cards
Ensure that you have a standard deck of 52 cards.
Choose A Dealer
One player is chosen as the dealer for the first round. The dealer shuffles the deck and distributes the cards; then, the dealer reveals the Joker card.
Shuffle The Deck
The dealer shuffles the deck of cards thoroughly to ensure that the cards are well-mixed.
Place A Single Card Face-Up
The dealer draws the top card from the deck and faces it up in the centre of the playing area. This card is known as the Joker.
Player Bets on Andar or Bahar
Before revealing the Andar card, players place their bets on one of two sides, ‘Andar’ or ‘Bahar’. This depends on where you think a card of the same rank as the centre card will appear.
Reveal The Andar Card
Once all bets are placed, the dealer reveals the Andar card, which determines the game's reference point.
Deal The Cards
The dealer deals the cards individually, starting with the Andar side. Cards are alternately dealt to Andar and Bahar until a card of the same rank as the Joker appears on either side.
Winning
If a card of the same rank as the Joker card appears on the Andar side, the players who bet on that side win and receive payouts based on the odds. If it appears on the Bahar side, the players who bet on Bahar win.
Payouts
The payouts in Andar Bahar vary from game to game, and they depend on the rules of the gaming room. Generally, the round winner gets their bet back plus an extra amount equal to their bet.
Repeat Rounds
After a round, the dealer role typically passes to the player on the left, and the game continues with a new round.
Complete Andar Bahar Game Rules – A Quick Guide
Below is the list of basic andar bahar rules. It also includes the standard rules of andar bahar:
- The basic andar bahar rules include using a standard 52-card deck is used to play this game.
- The dealer deals the cards; the first card drawn face up in the centre is called the 'Joker' or 'cut' card. Any card out of 52 cards can act as the “Joker”.
- For example, if the 8 of the club becomes the Joker card, then the other three 8s of the different suits become the Joker cards.
- There are two boxes on the table; one is known as the ‘Andar’ box, and the other is known as the ‘Bahar’ box. Players bet whether the Joker card will appear on the Andar or the Bahar box in the first two draws.
- Now, the players place their first bet and choose whether the Joker card will appear in the Andar or the Bahar box.
- Once all the players have placed their bets on either of the boxes, the dealer declares no more bets and starts drawing cards from both boxes in an alternate order.
- If the first card drawn is the Joker card from the Bahar box, the players who bet on the Bahar box win 25% of the wager amount, and those who bet on the Andar box lose.
- If the joker does not appear after two draws, the players can place another bet on the box labelled as 2nd bet.
- Once all the players have placed their 2nd bets on either of the boxes, the dealer takes no more bets and starts drawing the cards from both boxes in alternative order.
- If the first card drawn in the second bet is the joker from a Bahar box, then players who bet on the Andar box lose, and the players who bet on the Bahar box win 25% of the wagering amount on the 2nd bet and the even money (1:1) from the first bet.
- The cards keep getting drawn until the Joker card is drawn in either of the boxes.
- Super Bahar is the optional bet which you can place only on the Bahar box. To place the bet, the players must place the wager amount in the box labelled as Super Bahar. This bet can be placed for the 1st bet as well as for 2nd bet.
- The payout for the Super Bahar bet is 11x the wager amount only if the first card drawn from the Bahar box is the Joker card.
Popular Andar Bahar Game Variations You Should Know
Here are some of the common variations and types of andar bahar:
Double-Triple
In this variation, the game is played with two decks of cards, and players can make additional bets on whether the selected card will appear on the Andar or Bahar side zero, one, two, or three times before it finally appears.
Best of Three
This variation is played over three rounds instead of a single round. Players bet on the outcome of all three rounds, and the player who correctly predicts the most rounds wins.
Maang Patta
Maang Patta is a variation that combines Andar Bahar with Teen Patti. In addition to betting on Andar or Bahar, players also receive a third card and can use their knowledge of Teen Patti to form the best hand possible.
Seven Up, Seven Down
In this variation, the dealer rolls two dice, and players bet on whether the sum of the dice will be a ‘seven up’ or ‘seven down’ from the first card drawn.
Wild Andar Bahar
One or more additional cards are designated as wild cards in this version. Players can bet on whether the selected card will be one of these wild cards, and the wild cards can substitute for any card in the deck.
Remember that the rules and variations of Andar Bahar can differ from one place to another, and they may also change depending on the platform where you are playing.
What are the types of bets and payouts in the Andar Bahar Game?
Here are the andar bahar bet types, payout chart, and RTP: The payout chart tells you how much money you can win based on your bet. Return to Player (RTP) tells you the percentage of your total bets you can expect to win back.
Bet Types | Payouts | RTP |
---|---|---|
Andar |
1.9:1 |
~97% |
Bahar |
2:1 |
~97% |
First 5 cards |
Upto 120:1 |
<95% |
First 10 cards |
Varies (e.g., 3:1 to 25:1 |
<95% |
First Bet
In the Andar Bahar game, players place their first bet on the Andar box or the Bahar box once the dealer discloses the trump card, “Joker,” face-up in the middle of the table. Once the bets are placed, the dealer draws cards from the closed pile. The dealer gives Bahar the first card and Andar the second card. The winner is declared if any of these cards has a similar value to a joker's.
Second Bet
The second bet is an optional bet that players can play or skip. As with the first bet, the players can bet on the Andar or the Bahar box. In this bet, the dealer also draws cards one by one from both boxes in alternate order.
Payout in Andar Bahar Game
The dealer deals the first card on the Bahar box during the first bet. If the first card drawn on the Bahar box is a Joker, then 25% of the wager amount is paid to the players who placed their bets on the Bahar box. On the other hand, if the first card drawn on the Andar box is a Joker, then the bet paid is equal to the wager amount or an even one (1x).
The dealer opens the second bet if the first two cards drawn on both boxes don’t match the Joker card.
In the second bet, the dealer keeps drawing alternatively till the Joker card appears. If the winner gets the Joker card in the first draw on the Bahar box, 25% of the wager amount is paid to the winning players, while even money is given to the Andar box winners if the Joker card opens on the Andar box. The dealer keeps drawing the cards until a winner is discovered.
Terminologies Used in Andar Bahar
The terminologies used in the Andar Bahar game are as follows:
- Andar is one of the two betting positions where players bet on whether a card of the same rank as the Joker will appear.
- Bahar: Bahar refers to the other side of the betting position where players bet on a card, assuming that it matches the rank of the Joker.
- Joker: The Joker is the first card drawn by the dealer before the game starts. It is an essential card as players try to discover the cards of the same rank as the Joker.
- Side Bet: A side bet is made to earn extra money. It is separate from the first and second bets in the Anadar Bahar game.
- Cut: Cut refers to picking a card at random to decide the playing order in the game.
- Banker: The Banker is the dealer who shuffles the cards, draws the Joker card, and deals the cards to the Andar and Bahar positions.
- Shuffle: Shuffle means mixing up the cards to randomise their order before the beginning of a game.
- Draw: The act of drawing cards from the deck per the game's rules.
- Stake: It is the money or chips players risk in a bet.
- Bet: A bet is a wager on whether a card matching the rank of the Joker will appear on the 'Andar' or 'Bahar' side.
- Range: The range refers to the possible number of cards that the dealer can draw before a card matching the rank of the Joker appears, determining the winner.
- Push: A push occurs when the card matching the Joker appears simultaneously on both the Andar and Bahar sides, resulting in no winners for that round.
Top Andar Bahar Tips & Winning Strategies for Beginners
Below are some andar bahar strategies and winning tips:
- It is crucial to start each round with a clear and focused mind. Avoid distractions and make informed decisions.
- Set a budget for your Andar Bahar session and stick to it. Never chase losses or wager more than what you can afford to lose.
- Understanding the odds in Andar Bahar can be helpful. The probability of a hard landing on the Andar or Bahar side is nearly 50/50. However, remember that card games involve randomness and no guaranteed way to predict outcomes.
- It is advisable to start with smaller bets and gradually increase them as you gain confidence.
Andar Bahar vs. Poker
Besides that, Andar Bahar is a sheer luck-based game, and Poker is a highly skill-oriented game; below are some of the factors based on which both the games differ from one another:
Factors | Andar Bahar | Poker |
---|---|---|
Origin |
Andar Bahar is Indian card game. |
Poker evolved from different European card games. |
Gameplay |
Andar Bahar is simple and easy to learn. |
Poker is comparatively complex and takes time to learn. |
Strategy |
Andar Bahar is highly luck-based. |
Poker is based on skill, strategy and mental strength. |
Skill Level |
Not many skills are required to learn this game. |
It takes patience, practice, and time to excel in poker. |
Betting |
Predefined fewer betting options. |
Too many betting structures and strategies are possible. |
Community |
Played individually against a dealer. |
Played separately, but players compete with one another. |
Popularity |
Highly popular in India. |
Famous and played across the globe. |
Variants |
Andar Bahar has fewer variants. |
Poker has multiple variants like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, etc. |
Winning |
Primarily chance-based. |
Skilful playing can lead to long-term gains. |
Rewards |
There is limited potential for huge wins. |
High potential for significant winnings. |
Learning Curve |
Requires shorter learning time. |
Much longer learning time is required and involves longer gameplays. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andar Bahar a skill or luck-based game?
Andar Bahar is primarily a game of luck; the selected card will appear as you simply place bets on a pile. However, you can use specific strategies to track the cards already played.
Can I play Andar Bahar online for real money?
Yes, you can play Andar Bahar online for real money.
How to win money in Andar Bahar?
Andar Bahar is primarily a game of probability, and there are no foolproof methods to win money in this game.
What are the first and second bets in Andar Bahar?
The ‘first bet’ lets you wager on a card matching the first drawn card (Andar), while the ‘second bet’ predicts a match on the opposite side (Bahar)
What is the Joker card in Andar Bahar?
The gameplay in Andar Bahar revolves around the basic deck of standard playing cards. One card is chosen as the Joker card, placed in the centre of the table. This card is merely a reference card to determine the game's outcome. Players bet which side (Andar or Bahar) will match the Joker's rank.
How to play Andar Bahar online?
To play Andar Bahar online, you must visit an online gaming platform. You can easily register, deposit funds, select Andar Bahar from the game options, place bets, and enjoy the game. Some online platforms offer free versions of Andar Bahar for practice. You can play without wagering real money in these practice modes.
Can I play Andar Bahar on a mobile device?
Many online casinos and gaming platforms offer mobile versions of Andar Bahar games that can be played on smartphones and tablets.
Is Andar Bahar Legal in India?
Yes, playing Andar Bahar is legal in India.
What is the Joker in Andar Bahar?
Joker is the card initially drawn and used to determine the winner.
What happens after the first card is drawn?
The next player, in turn, takes their turn.
Conclusion
Andar Bahar is a fun and straightforward card game that brings friends and family together, making it ideal for social events and celebrations. Its simple rules and fast-paced nature allow beginners and seasoned players to enjoy the thrill of predicting where the Joker card will appear. Whether playing casually or in a casino, mastering the game can enhance your potential winnings. Now that you know how to play Andar Bahar, why not try your luck at a trusted online casino?