Andar Bahar – Rules
Play Andar Bahar against the computer
1. Overview
| Name | Andar Bahar ("inside – outside") |
| Type | Game of chance and betting against the dealer |
| Players | any number against the dealer (bank) |
| Recommended age | 16 and up (younger with play money) |
| Playing time | one round under 1 minute; a game 10–20 minutes |
| Material | 52 French cards, chips or play money |
| Goal | Correctly predict on which side a card of the same rank as the middle card appears first. |
| Difficulty | very easy |
What is it about? Andar Bahar comes from southern India and is very popular there at festivals and family gatherings. One card lies face up in the middle. Everyone bets on "Andar" (left) or "Bahar" (right). Then the dealer places cards alternately on both sides – the side where the same rank appears first wins.
2. Cards and material
- Pack: 52 French cards without jokers.
- Only rank counts: Suits don't matter.
- Chips: Each player gets the same amount of play money.
- Face up and face down: All cards are dealt face up.
3. Preparation and start
- Shuffling: The dealer shuffles the pack.
- Middle card: They turn up one card and place it in the middle.
- Betting: Everyone puts chips on Andar or Bahar.
- Start: The dealer begins dealing to the sides.
Start example: The middle card is the 7 of hearts. You bet 20 chips on Bahar.
4. Goal and winning
- A round: The side on which a card of the middle card's rank lands first wins.
- Game: After the agreed number of rounds, the player with the most chips wins.
5. Play in detail
Dealing.
- The dealer places one card face up on Andar, then one on Bahar, then Andar again, and so on.
- Which side comes first is a house rule – often it depends on the colour of the middle card.
- As soon as a card of the middle card's rank appears, the round is over.
Paying out.
- Whoever bet on the right side gets their stake back plus the winnings.
- Whoever was wrong loses their stake to the bank.
Example with Players 1 to 4. Middle card: 7 of hearts. Players 1 and 2 bet on Bahar, Players 3 and 4 on Andar. The dealer starts with Andar.
- Andar: 2 of spades. Bahar: king of diamonds.
- Andar: 9 of clubs. Bahar: 5 of diamonds.
- Andar: jack of hearts. Bahar: 7 of spades – a hit.
- Bahar wins. Players 1 and 2 get their stakes back doubled, Players 3 and 4 lose.
6. Scoring
| Bet | Payout |
|---|---|
| Bahar correct | 1 : 1 |
| Andar correct (dealer started with Andar) | 0.9 : 1 |
| Andar correct (dealer started with Bahar) | 1 : 1 |
| Wrong side | stake lost |
- Why 0.9? The side dealt first hits slightly more often – the lower payout balances that.
- Recording: Each player's chip count.
7. Special rules and situations
- Side bets (variant): Bet on how many cards are dealt before the hit (e.g. 1–5, 6–10 …) at higher odds.
- Instant hit: Some rounds pay less if the very first card hits.
- Dealing error: The round is void and everyone gets their stake back.
- Play money: Andar Bahar is pure chance – play it with play money or matchsticks.
- Common mistakes: betting too much on one round; believing Bahar "must" come after several Andar wins.
8. Variants
Standard in this description: 52 cards, Bahar 1 : 1, Andar 0.9 : 1 when Andar is dealt first.
| Variant | What changes | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Several packs | With 2–8 packs, as in some gaming halls. | large groups |
| Side bets | Bets on the number of cards before the hit. | a change |
| Ultimate Andar Bahar | Extra bets on the rank or suit of the middle card. | experienced players |
When playing against the computer on cardgames.zone you play with play chips (500 or 1000 to start) against the dealer, over 10, 20 or 5 rounds.
9. Tips for beginners
- Use play money: Andar Bahar is pure luck – bet only play money.
- Small stakes: That keeps you in the game longer.
- Don't look for patterns: Each round is independent of the last.
- Bahar pays fairly: 1 : 1 with no deduction.
- Counting is fun: How many cards of the middle card's rank are still in the pack? Always three.
- Set a limit: Stop when half your chips are gone.
- Enjoy it together: The fun lies in the shared suspense.
10. Summary in 10 steps
- 52 cards, any number of players against the dealer.
- One card face up in the middle.
- Everyone bets on Andar (left) or Bahar (right).
- The dealer places cards alternately on both sides.
- Which side comes first is a house rule.
- The middle card's rank ends the round.
- That side wins.
- Bahar pays 1 : 1.
- Andar pays 0.9 : 1 when it was dealt first.
- After all rounds the highest chip count wins.
11. Frequently asked questions
What do Andar and Bahar mean?
"Inside" and "outside" – the left and the right side.
Does the suit count?
No, only the card's rank.
Why does Andar sometimes pay less?
When it is dealt first, Andar wins slightly more often.
Can skill win at Andar Bahar?
No, it is pure chance.
How many players can join?
Any number – everyone plays against the dealer.
How long does a game take?
About 10 to 20 minutes for 10 to 20 rounds.
Origin & history
A traditional gambling game of southern India; its origin is usually placed in the Bengaluru region and is several centuries old, though exact sources are lacking. Today it is mostly played online as a live-dealer casino game.