Andar Bahar is a simple Indian card game. The dealer turns over one card, called the joker or game card, and then deals cards one by one to two sides, Andar (inside) and Bahar (outside). The first side to get a card of the same rank as the joker wins. You just bet on which side that will be before the deal starts. This guide covers the full rules, the bets, how payouts usually work and the mistakes beginners make.
18+ only. Andar Bahar is a game of pure chance. Play only with money you can afford to lose.
What is Andar Bahar?
Andar Bahar, also called Katti or Mangatha in parts of South India, is one of the oldest card games in the country. It needs no skill to learn and a round lasts less than a minute, which is why it moved so easily from home games and festivals to online and live dealer tables.
It's played with a standard 52-card deck. Suits don't matter for the main bet. Only the rank of the cards counts, Ace through King.
You can find the tables on our Andar Bahar page and in the Andar Bahar and Teen Patti lobby.
Andar Bahar rules step by step
Step 1: Place your bet
Before any cards are dealt, choose Andar or Bahar. Online and live tables give you a betting window of a few seconds, shown by a timer.
Step 2: The joker card is revealed
The dealer places one card face up in the middle of the table. This is the joker, sometimes called the game card or middle card. Say it's the 7♦. You're now waiting for another 7 of any suit.
Step 3: Cards are dealt to Andar and Bahar
The dealer deals cards one at a time, alternating between the Andar and Bahar sides. Which side gets the first card depends on the table. In many versions it depends on the colour of the joker. At some tables the first card always goes to Andar, and at others it always goes to Bahar. The table rules will say which.
Step 4: The first match wins
Dealing continues until a card of the same rank as the joker lands on one side. If the next 7 lands on Bahar, Bahar wins and every Bahar bet is paid. Andar bets lose.
There is no tie in classic Andar Bahar. One side always wins, because one of the other three cards of that rank must eventually appear.
Andar Bahar bets and payouts
Main bets
The main bets are almost an even-money choice, but not quite. The side that gets the first card has a small advantage, because it gets every odd-numbered card in the deal. To balance this, many tables pay slightly less than evens on that side, often 0.9 to 1. The other side then pays 1 to 1.
Payouts vary between providers and tables, so check the paytable in the game's info panel before you bet. Don't assume two tables pay the same.
Side bets
Many live and online versions add side bets on how many cards will be dealt before the match. Ranges are offered, such as 1 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 15 and so on, with bigger payouts for the less likely ranges. Some tables also offer bets on the joker card's suit, colour or value, or on whether it's above or below 7.
Side bets have higher payouts because they're less likely to win. They usually carry a higher house edge than the main Andar and Bahar bets. Check the paytable and keep side bets small if you use them.
Example round
- You bet ₹100 on Andar.
- The joker is the K♠.
- Cards are dealt: Andar 4♥, Bahar 9♣, Andar Q♦, Bahar 2♠, Andar K♥.
- A King has landed on Andar, so Andar wins.
- You're paid according to the table's Andar payout. On a table paying 0.9 to 1 on the first-card side, a ₹100 bet would return your stake plus ₹90.
Is there a strategy for Andar Bahar?
Not in the sense of changing the result. Every deal is random, and earlier rounds don't affect the next one. A few sensible habits still help:
- Know which side gets the first card and how each side pays at your table.
- Prefer the main bets over long-shot side bets if your aim is to make your budget last.
- Ignore "patterns" and "trends". Side-history displays show past results, not future ones.
- Use fixed stakes. Systems that double your bet after a loss, like Martingale, can empty a budget quickly and run into table limits.
- Set a loss limit and a time limit before you start.
Andar Bahar terms you'll see
- Joker, game card or middle card: the first card turned over, which sets the rank to match.
- Andar: the "inside" side, usually closest to the dealer.
- Bahar: the "outside" side, usually closest to the players.
- Paytable: the list of payouts for every bet at that table.
- Side bet: an optional extra bet, for example on how many cards will be dealt.
- Round history: a display of recent winning sides. It's useful for interest, not for prediction.
Andar Bahar vs Teen Patti
Both games are Indian classics, but they're very different. Teen Patti involves decisions, hand rankings and bluffing. Andar Bahar is pure chance with a single choice per round. If you like quick rounds with simple rules, Andar Bahar suits you. If you enjoy outplaying people, try Teen Patti, and read our Teen Patti rules guide first.
Common beginner mistakes
- Thinking the joker's suit matters for the main bet. It doesn't. Only the rank counts.
- Not checking which side receives the first card.
- Betting big on card-count side bets because the payout looks attractive.
- Following streaks such as "Bahar has won five in a row, so Andar is due". Every round is independent.
- Playing too fast. Rounds are short, so time limits matter more in Andar Bahar than in slower games.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play Andar Bahar?
Bet on Andar or Bahar, then the dealer reveals a joker card and deals cards alternately to both sides. The first side to receive a card of the same rank as the joker wins.
Which side wins more often in Andar Bahar?
The side that receives the first card has a slight edge. That's why many tables pay a little less than evens on it. Check the table rules to see which side that is.
Does the suit matter in Andar Bahar?
Not for the main bet. Only the rank of the card matters. Some side bets do use the suit or colour of the joker card.
Is there a trick to win Andar Bahar?
No. The result is random, and no pattern or app can predict it. Fixed stakes and firm limits help you control spending, but they can't guarantee wins.
Can I play live Andar Bahar online?
Yes. Many casinos offer live dealer Andar Bahar streamed from a studio. Read our guide to live Andar Bahar online to see how it works.
Play responsibly
Andar Bahar is for adults aged 18 and over. It's a game of chance, and there is no way to guarantee a win. Choose a budget you're comfortable losing, take regular breaks and stop if it stops being fun. Our responsible gambling page explains the limits and support available.