Card games in India are rooted in popular culture. None more so than Andar Bahar, which lays claim to being one of the all-time classics among Indian households. If your family is looking for a new pastime to enjoy together, Andar Bahar could be a fun hobby to learn. Although it’s a game of pure chance, there’s still a competitive edge that will exist – particularly if you’re someone that enjoys beating your siblings or parents!
Below, we’ll explore some interesting facts and pointers about the game of Andar Bahar and explain why it has such enduring appeal nationwide.
Andar Bahar is said to have originated from the streets of Bengaluru
The roots of Andar Bahar are said to be set firmly in Bengaluru, within the southern state of Karnataka. In the Tamil-speaking regions, Andar Bahar is also known as Ullae Veliyae or Mangatha.
History suggests that a version of this game used to be played among adults for money, while youngsters played against one another to win tamarind seeds.
How the game of Andar Bahar works
The game of Andar Bahar is played using a 52-card deck. The dealer doubles up as the bank as well as the dealer, with no limit to the number of players involved. Players have no significant role other than to decide which option to bet on.
The game begins when the dealer places a card face up to the players. They must decide to wager on one of two piles – Andar (Inside) or Bahar (Outside). The dealer subsequently deals cards to each pile until a card matching the original upcard appears. Whichever pile where this matching card land is the winning pile.
The upcard is often known as the joker or trump card by experienced Andar Bahar players.
Its rise to prominence online
There aren’t many Indian games that have been embraced in such a way by the iGaming industry as Andar Bahar. With game dynamics akin to blackjack and baccarat, it’s perhaps unsurprising to see Indian-focused online casino sites starting to offer Andar Bahar in the form of a live dealer game. Many Indian-friendly operators, such as Lucky Dice, permit the use of their casino bonus promotions at Andar Bahar tables as well as the latest video slots. Andar Bahar has joined a select club of Indian card favorites adopted by iGaming platforms. The exclusive group also includes Teen Patti, which is a form of the British game Three Card Brag, and a basic dice game known as Jhandi Munda.
The variations of Andar Bahar
There are some popular variations of Andar Bahar that have evolved through the generations. There is a version that’s shot to prominence in Turkey, which allows players to discard one card per turn. Within the Turkish edition, there’s also the ability for players to be eliminated from the game. This occurs when they are unable to play a card from their hands on the table. The Indian version also has an additional rule on occasion where players can remove an entire hand whenever they’re unhappy with it.
Whether you decide to play around the table with family or friends or online with a reputable casino, Andar Bahar is a simple yet enjoyable game that’ll hook you on the line from the word go.
