How to Play Andar Bahar

Written by: Webster Lupton , Casino, Gambling, and Sports Journalist

This article is my explanation of how to play Andar Bahar. I’ve been playing the game for almost three years online and wanted to create a step-by-step tutorial. 

I tried to make the steps as detailed and simple as possible using screenshots from a real game. So, if the written instructions get confusing, just check out the pictures to clarify things.

Are you ready to learn an easy card game in minutes and connect with a piece of Indian history? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Everything You Need to Play Andar Bahar

Andar Bahar Game Rules You Should Know

Andar Bahar is an even odds card game in which players guess which of two sides a matching card will fall. You play the game against the house, so payout odds vary slightly.

Below are the fundamental rules.

  • To winguess which of the two sides (Andar or Bahar) will receive a card first that matches a “middle” or “joker” card.
  • Every player competes against the house—not each other.
  • Various games offer side bet options, such as guessing the suit, color, or value of the middle card.
  • The Andar Bahar game rules require a standard 52-card deck. Multiple players can be seated at a semi-circle table, but most online games involve just one player.
  • It is a game based purely on luck, meaning there is no guaranteed strategy to win.

How to Play Andar Bahar

To help you get familiar with the game, I created an illustrated step-by-step guide to playing Andar Bahar. I listed rules, examples of a round, a couple of tips, and all the possible bets you’ll find.

Step #1: Understand the Table Layout

Andar Bahar Infographic Table Layout

When the game starts, the table is set up with these key elements:

  • Middle: where the dealer places the main card, also known as the “Joker card.”
  • Andar and Bahar: These are the two sides where you can place your main bets.
  • Payout Information: Some tables display the odds and winnings for different bets.
  • Side Bets: Here, you can place extra wagers. I will explain each of the options below.
  • Betting Options: Here, you can pick the value of your wager. In the example, the betting range between $1 up to $50.
  • Actions: Click to deal the cards or clear your bets.

Step #2: Choose the Amount of Your Bet

Andar Bahar Betting Options

Choose how much you want to bet. Make sure it’s an amount you’re comfortable with, and always gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose.

Use small bets to keep your bankroll up to win at Andar Bahar. Players receive different payouts based on their type of wagers.

For this example, I wagered only $5.

Step #3: Place Your Main Bets

Andar Bahar Deal

It’s time for you to place your bets. Decide whether you want to bet on Andar or Bahar. Once you’ve made your choice, place your chips in the corresponding spot on the table and then click on “Deal”.

As you can see in the screenshot above, I placed my $5 bet on Andar.

Step #4: Understand Side Bets

Andar Bahar Side Bets

The game variants differ because of the different extra bets offered.

In addition to the options of Andar & Bahar, you may find side bets to guess on getting a straight or flush on the first three cards. And there are games in which you decide the first side dealt according to the middle card.

For instance, the Bahar side gets the first card if the middle card is red.

If you choose to make a side bet on the middle card, you make it before it is dealt. The game pays the middle card bet right after it is revealed or after the entire round.

Step #5: Joker Card Gets Revealed

How to play Andar Bahar step 5

The middle or “Joker” card is the first one dealt. You’ll find it in the center, and the ranking will decide if Andar or Bahar wins.

For example, in my round, I got a King of Diamonds as the middle card.

Step #6: Cards Get Dealt to Both Sides

how to play andar bahar step 7

The dealer gives cards to both sides. Cards usually start on the Andar side. However, in some variations, the first turn is determined by other factors, like the color of the middle card.

The game/dealer continues alternating cards to each side until one of them matches the middle card’s rank

Step #7: Winners Are Established

How to play andar bahar step 6

If the matching card appears on your chosen side, you win; if not, you lose. In the example, I lost because the King appeared on the Bahar side.

Everyone gets paid, and a new round begins.

Play Free Andar Bahar Online

Below is a demo game that will give you the feel of playing the Indian card game. You won’t get to play for real money in this one but watch the action.

Andar Bahar Payouts

There are various side bets in most Andar Bahar games, but the main wager is on Andar or Bahar. Andar pays 0.9:1 or 1.9 times your stake. Bahar pays 1:1 or 2 times the stake.

There are games in which both sides pay 1:1 but only 0.25:1 if the first card wins. The odds provide a slight house edge. There are also different odds for side wagers, such as:

Withdrawal and Bet Limits Big Icon
  • Color: 1.9:1
  •  Suit: 3.8:1
  • Total Number of Cards Dealt: from 16.25:1 to 42.5:1. 
  • Any Number: 1.35:1
  • Face Card or Ace: 12.45:1
  • Above or below 8: 2.05:1 (8 wins 12.45:1)

The Best Andar Bahar Online Casinos

After years of playing the game at different sites and a week of research, I found the best sites to play Andar Bahar for real money in the USA.

My recommended sites have an active gambling license and a good reputation in the gambling community.

DuckyLuck Casino

DuckyLuck Casino Logo and Site Featured Image

DuckyLuck has a reputation for first-rate games. The site offers the Qora-Gaming version of Andar Bahar, which is fast, fun, and simple to play.

You can bet as little as $1 and as much as $500 on the main Andar Bahar bets.

The five options for side bets have lower limits.

SlotsandCasino

SlotsandCasino mini banner with logo

SlotsandCasino is a gambling site that keeps up with the latest casino trends. Their new Andar Bahar game comes from the Concept Gaming provider, an expert in HTML5 designs for instant play.

You can bet on value ranges, the number of cards dealt, color, suits, and the primary Andar Bahar wager. The return to player (RTP) is up to 98.1%.

Steps to Play Andar Bahar Online

Getting into the action is easy when you find a good site with the game. Follow these 5 steps to join an online casino and play Andar Bahar.

  1. Sign Up at an Online Casino

    Choose an online casino, and click on “Play Now” or “Sign Up.” You need to fill in your information and choose a username and password.
  2. Deposit Money

    Click on Deposit or Cashier, and you will see various deposit options. Choose one and fill in the amount you want to deposit. Online casinos offer minimum and maximum amounts.
  3. Find an Andar Bahar Game

    You will usually find an Andar Bahar game in the online casino Table Games section. Click on the game.
  4. Read the Rules, Bet, and Play

    Read all betting options and note the payout odds when you reach the table. Then place your bets and win!

Spice Your Gaming and Play Andar Bahar Online!

It’s always fun exploring different online casino games, and you will find the Andar Bahar card game a good change of pace. It is easy to learn, play, and win.

I walked you through a step-by-step guide to play, including the different types of bets, your odds of winning, and my recommended sites to play in the US.

Hopefully, you found this guide helpful and adds value to the growing Andar Bahar community of online players.

Webster Lupton

Webster Lupton Casino, Gambling, and Sports Journalist

Webster Lupton is a journalist and expert sports and casino writer with over 30 years of experience. He is a seasoned researcher and a published author that enjoys the outdoors and birdwatching.

Learn More About Webster