How to Play Andar Bahar for Beginners (April 2024)

Andar Bahar is a thrilling Indian card game which you can play at any good online casino. This exotic game has become extremely popular in the online gaming world and is a must for all players who like a good card game. It takes minutes to learn and can bring endless hours of great fun. Whether you fancy a quick online gaming session or want to sit down with friends and play, Andar Bahar is exciting in any setting.

What is Andar Bahar?

Though it has only recently become a big hit at online casinos, Andar Bahar is a traditional, time-old Indian game. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, though it is said that Andar Bahar was first played in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore). The game developed over the centuries, but it is thought to have always been a fast-paced card game. If you want to play a game, you can go for a lone session, or join a table and play with other players. It is very much a communal game and is best enjoyed with good friends or sociable players looking to get their kicks.

How to Play the Game

Before any cards are dealt, you will have to place your bet on either Andar or Bahar to win. Your chips will go onto the designated area on the table, and then the round can start. The dealer draws a card and this will become the Joker. The dealer then draws a card for Andar, and if it does not match the Joker, then they draw a card for Bahar. If the card drawn for Bahar does not match the Joker either, then the round continues, with the dealer alternating the drawing between Andar and Bahar. The first side to draw a matching card wins the round.

Useful Terminology

• Andar

Andar actually means Inside in Hindi. The dealer always draws for Andar first, unless otherwise stated.

• Bahar

Bahar means outside in Hindi. The draw for Bahar traditionally follows Andar.

• Joker

The Joker is also called the Trump, House or Middle Card. It is always the first card that is dealt, and the dealer will only draw the Joker once all bets have been placed. The matching card needs to be of the same rank, meaning if the Joker is a 10, the winning side needs to draw a 10. Suits are not important in Andar Bahar, and the game is usually played with a single deck of cards.

• Range

There is no way of knowing whether one of the sides will win in the first draw of hands, or whether it will last far longer. The range is the number of cards that are drawn before the round is won by one of the sides. The game can conclude with 5 hands being drawn, or it can conclude with 40 or more hands being drawn, but the chances of that happening are next to none.

Payouts and Probability

The odds of Andar and Bahar winning are extremely close, but there is a difference. In case you were wondering, if Andar receives a winning card, then the dealer will not go on to draw a card for Bahar. This gives Andar the edge over Bahar as it is the first side that the dealer draws for. The payouts and probabilities are the following:

• Andar – 51.50% chance of winning and a payout of 0.9 to 1
• Bahar – 48.50% chance of winning and a payout of 1 to 1

There is quite a difference between these, and this also creates a difference in the house edge. Simply multiply the chance of winning by how much you will be paid out, and you will find the following:

• Andar – 97.85% RTP, where the house edge is 2.15%
• Bahar – 97% RTP, where the house edge is 3%

The difference between 2.15% and 3% may seem tiny, but putting it into other terms: the house edge is over 30% higher when you bet on Bahar. However, it is still a game of chance, and anything can happen. You may want to bet on Bahar because it brings out a solid double-up on your wager, whereas Andar does not pay out as generous. On the other hand, you may stick to targeting the bet with the lower house edge. Either way, the dealer always plays with a shuffled deck, so there are no expert strategies such as counting cards.

Variants and Side Bets

The base game is extremely simple and can bring you hours of fun. However, you may want to spice up your gaming session with some interesting variants and side bets. These may be more difficult to find, and you might only find them in Indian-themed casinos or sites that specialise in Asian games.

Red and Black Andar Bahar

In this variant of Andar Bahar, the tables can turn and Bahar may go first. If the Joker is black (Clubs or Spades), then Andar goes first just like in the standard version of the game. However, if the Joker is red (Diamonds or Hearts), then Bahar goes first.

Therefore, there is no difference between betting on Andar or Bahar because there is an equal chance of drawing a red or black Joker. Also, keep in mind that you cannot place your bets before the Joker has been drawn, so you have to guess.

The only downside is that online Red and Black Andar Bahar is not really a thing yet. It may be difficult to find this variant at online casinos, and perhaps it is only available at sites that specialise in Indian or Asian games.

Alternative Casino Andar Bahar

In this version of Andar Bahar, the order of the steps in each round is a bit different. The house will reveal the dealer before any players have made their bets. Once the joker is revealed, the players at the table need to stake their money on either Andar or Bahar. The dealer then draws a card for Bahar first, and then for Andar. If the first card drawn for Bahar matches the Joker, then all the players betting on Bahar will receive a payout of only 0.25 to 1, and the players who bet on Andar lose. Should the first card not match the Joker, then the dealer will draw the first card for Andar, and if that card matches the Joker, then the bets on Andar are paid even money and the bets on Bahar lose.

The drawing stops after the first two cards are dealt, and providing there was no winner in the first two draws, the round continues with another turn of betting. The players can make a second bet and the round continues with a draw for Bahar, followed by a draw for Andar. Once again, if Bahar wins, the players receive winnings of 0.25 to 1, and if Andar wins the players receive a payout of 1 to 1. After the first draw is completed and there are no matches, the game continues as it would in normal Andar Bahar, and both bets pay out even money.

Side Bets

Side bets are always an interesting gamble for players because they can have massive payouts. However, the RTP and house edge may not always be in your favour.

Bet on the Joker

Betting on the Joker is quite a popular side bet. There are 5 different side bets that may be offered on what the Joker card may be.

• Low Value (2-7) – 46.15% probability and pays out at 1 to 1. The RTP is 92.30% and the house edge is 7.7%
• 8 – 7.69% probability and pays out at 11 to 1. The RTP is 84.61% and the house edge is 13.38%
• High Value (9 to Ace) – the same probability, payout and RTP/house edge as the Low Value side bet
• Red or Black – 50% probability and pays out at 0.9 to 1. The RTP is 95% and the house edge is 5%
• Club, Diamond, Spade or Heart – 25% probability and pays out at 2.8 to 1. The RTP is 95% and the house edge is 5%

As you can see, the house edge really depends on what types of bets you make. Betting on the Joker to be an 8 is a long shot, and though it has a big payout, it has a really high house edge.

Bet on the Range

Another popular side bet is on the range.

• 1 to 5 – 23.8% probability and pays out at 3 to 1
• 6 to 10 – 21.7% probability and pays out at 4 to 1
• 11 to 15 – 16.9% probability and pays out at 5 to 1
• 16 to 25 – 21.8% probability and pays out at 4 to 1
• 26 to 30 – 6.09% probability and pays out at 15 to 1
• 31 to 35 – 3.69% probability and pays out at 25 to 1
• 36 to 40 – 1.89% probability and pays out at 50 to 1
• 41+ – 0.79% probability and pays out at 120 to 1

The formula for RTP and house edge cannot really be used for these bets. This is because it is not a single draw of a card but you require the previous draws to not be successful, which changes the variables and requires a more detailed formula. Basically, from the probability you can gauge the chance of any of these bets paying out, and go for whichever one you think has the best value. Betting on 41 or more cards to be drawn in a round is madness, but with a payout of 120 to 1, there are some players who will approach it as they would a jackpot.

Where to Play Andar Bahar

The demand for Andar Bahar is only going up, and now a lot of international casino operators want to add the exotic game to their portfolios. Pioneering game developers such as Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming and Ezugi have made some amazing Andar Bahar games. There are plenty more who experiment with the traditional card game and add extra twists and side bets to keep you on your toes.

Most online Andar Bahar titles are live dealer casino games. There are a few table games out there as well, but these are much harder to find than their live counterparts.

A final thing about onlineAndar Bahar that you should be aware of is the payouts. Not all places will offer the same types of payouts, so make sure you check these first.

At Gaming.net, we look for the best places to play Teen Patti and other Asian games. Be sure to check out our article on the top casinos that provide Andar Bahar.

Live or Table Andar Bahar?

So which is better: live Andar Bahar or table Andar Bahar? It is all up to you, though it is worth trying both. Table card games usually have quicker gameplay and some gamers find it more comfortable. Live games are extremely fun too, bringing a great social aspect to the games. You can sit at a table with friends or fellow gamblers, and enjoy some great banter whilst playing live games. A lot of players also find it more immersive and relaxing.

The only downside about live dealer games is that there are no demo versions. Newcomers may want to stick to playing table Andar Bahar if they are not feeling confident. However, once you have made the game your own, you should definitely try a live session of Andar Bahar.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basics and some of the more advanced parts of Andar Bahar, you are ready to go out and start playing. The principles of the game are almost always the same, no matter which variant or featured game you try. Therefore, if you do run into some complicated-looking variant just stick to the basics. The chance of picking the winning side is always close to 50-50. You cannot really go wrong if you pick Andar or you pick Bahar.

Side bets usually favour the house in any game. Therefore, if you do want to place any side bets, then do not worry too much about it. With bigger payouts, you can take the game to a whole new level of excitement.