Introduction to Andar Bahar: A Popular Casino Card Game
Andar Bahar is a highly popular chance-based casino card game that originated in India. This game is played with one dealer and multiple players. Although it is theoretically possible to play Andar Bahar with a large number of people through a digital medium, physical casinos usually limit the number of players to about 5 or 6 per table due to space constraints.
Unlike some other card games, Andar Bahar is entirely based on chance and does not involve any specific strategies for winning. However, certain tips can help players make bets that, over time, will average out to a net gain. Ultimately, the outcome of the game depends solely on the random chance of the cards.
Setting up the Andar Bahar Table
An Andar Bahar table closely resembles a poker or blackjack table. It has a half-circle or crescent moon shape, with the dealer positioned on one side and the players seated on the other side at equal intervals. Each player’s seat is equipped with four small boxes labelled “1st Bet” and “2nd Bet,” which are further divided into “A” and “B.” The table layout looks something like this:
| 2nd Bet A | 1st Bet |
| 2nd Bet B | 1st Bet |
The letters “A” and “B” represent “Andar” and “Bahar,” respectively. In front of the dealer, there are three boxes labelled “Andar Set,” “Bahar Set,” and “Joker.”
Starting the Game and the Joker Card
The game begins with the dealer presenting a freshly shuffled deck of cards to the table. The dealer then draws a single card from the top of the deck and places it face-up in the “Joker” box. This card becomes the Joker and determines the winning card for the game. The winning card will be the next one of the same rank to appear in the deck.
To win the game, a player must correctly bet on the box where the Joker card will be placed.
Placing Bets in Andar Bahar
Once the dealer reveals the Joker, players can place their 1st Bet using the labelled boxes in front of them. Players have the option to bet on either Andar or Bahar or even both, similar to the game of roulette. However, it’s important to note that the payout for Andar Bahar is only 25% of the initial bet, so players will lose more than they win if they choose to bet on both options.
Just like in blackjack, many Andar Bahar tables in professional casinos have specific minimum and maximum bet limits.
The First Round of Dealing
After all players have placed their first bets, the dealer declares that no more bets can be made. The dealer then starts dealing cards, alternating between the Andar and Bahar boxes. The first card is placed in the Bahar box, followed by a card in the Andar box.
If the Joker card appears in these first two cards, players with successful bets receive a 25% profit on their bet. For example, if a player bets $4, they will receive $5 for a win.
If no players win in the first two cards, the 2nd Bet box comes into play. Players can make a second bet, and the dealing process repeats.
The Second Round of Dealing
Once all 2nd Bets are made, the dealer announces that no more bets can be placed and proceeds to deal cards alternately into the Andar and Bahar boxes. Like the first round, the dealer starts by dealing one card to the Bahar box and then one card to the Andar box, continuing until a card of the same rank as the Joker appears.
For instance, if the Joker is 8♦, then an 8♠ would win the game.
Understanding Payouts in Andar Bahar
Winning players receive a 25% payout on their 2nd Bet and a 1:1 payout on their 1st Bet. The probability of winning and the respective payouts for Andar and Bahar are as follows:
| Outcome | Payout | Winning Probability |
| Andar Win | 0.9 to 1 | 50% |
| Bahar Win | 1 to 1 | 50% |
For example, consider Player 1, who bets $10 on their 1st Bet and $4 on their 2nd Bet. If Player 1 wins, they will be paid $15 ($10 for the 1st Bet and $5 for the 2nd Bet).
Once the winning card matching the Joker is revealed, players who bet on the correct box (Andar or Bahar) receive their respective payouts. The dealer then reshuffles the deck, and the game starts anew.
Rules to Keep in Mind While Playing Andar Bahar
Here are some important rules to remember while playing Andar Bahar:
- The 1st Bet pays out 25% if the Joker appears in the first two cards or if a player doesn’t make a 2nd Bet. The 1st Bet pays out 1:1 if the 2nd Bet is made and the player wins.
- Players who lose receive no money and lose their entire bets.
- Additional bets cannot be made once the dealer declares that bets are closed.
- Avoid causing delays in the game by taking too much time to make decisions. Andar Bahar is a game of pure chance, and spending excessive time can frustrate both the dealer and other players.
Scoring in Andar Bahar
Similar to other casino games, Andar Bahar is scored based on the number of chips a player wins or loses, representing the monetary value they bring to the casino and the amount they leave with. The score reflects whether they made a profit or suffered a loss during the game.
Betting Strategy Tips for Andar Bahar
Although Andar Bahar is a game of pure chance, some betting strategies can increase the likelihood of winning:
- Avoid Super Bahar bets: Super Bahar bets are optional side bets offered by some casinos. However, these bets often heavily favour the casino over the player, making them less favourable. It’s best to steer clear of Super Bahar bets.
- Always make the 2nd Bet: Statistically speaking, it is better to make the 2nd Bet in Andar Bahar, even if you don’t win every game. To achieve the same value from a single win on a 2nd Bet, one would have to win four consecutive 1st Bets.
Example Scenario in Andar Bahar
To illustrate how a game of Andar Bahar plays out, consider the following scenario:
1- The dealer presents the Joker card, which happens to be a 10♦.
- Player 1 places a 1st Bet of $5 on Andar.
- Player 2 places a 1st Bet of $10 on Andar.
- Player 3 places a 1st Bet of $15 on Bahar.
- Player 4 places a 1st Bet of $20 on Andar.
2- The dealer then draws two cards, one for Bahar and one for Andar, in that order: 8♦ and 2♣.
- Player 1 makes a 2nd Bet of $5 on Andar.
- Player 2 makes a 2nd Bet of $5 on Andar.
- Player 3 makes a 2nd Bet of $15 on Bahar.
- Player 4 makes a 2nd Bet of $20 on Andar.
3- The dealer continues dealing alternating cards until the Joker, a 10♥, finally appears in Bahar.
- Player 3 wins a profit of $18.75 ($15 for the initial bet and $3.75 for the 2nd Bet).
- All other players lose their bets and do not receive any money.
Conclusion
Andar Bahar is a thrilling chance-based card game that has gained immense popularity in India and beyond. While it is primarily a game of luck, players can use strategies to improve their betting odds. By understanding the rules, placing strategic bets, and avoiding certain side bets, players can enhance their Andar Bahar experience. So, why not try your luck and join in the excitement of this captivating casino game.
Frequently Asked Questions about Andar Bahar
1- How many cards are used in Andar Bahar?
Andar Bahar is played with a standard 52-card deck.
2- What is a side bet in Andar Bahar?
A side bet in Andar Bahar is an additional bet that can be made outside of the normal game rules. Some tables offer Super Bahar bets, which provide higher payouts but are less likely to occur. It’s generally best to avoid Super Bahar bets.
3- Is Andar Bahar a skill game?
No, Andar Bahar is primarily a game of chance rather than skill. While it is possible to make bets that give you an advantage, the game itself does not involve any skill-based mechanics.
4- What is the house edge on Andar Bahar?
Andar Bahar has a relatively low house edge of about 2.15%, making it slightly worse for players than blackjack but comparable to games like baccarat.
5- Are there any variations of Andar Bahar?
While there may be local variations of Andar Bahar, casinos typically stick to a uniform set of rules for the game. This consistency allows players to feel comfortable playing in different casinos, as they offer the same rulesets for their favourite games.
6- Where can you play Andar Bahar online?
Online gambling can be risky, so it’s important to play on verified and reputable gambling websites when providing your banking details. Pokerstars, a popular and legal gambling site, offers Andar Bahar online for free.
