How to play Andar Bahar: rules, payouts and side bets

How does a round work?

A card is placed in the middle, often called the joker or middle card. You bet on Andar (left) or Bahar (right), plus any side bets the table offers. Cards are dealt to each side in turn until one matches the middle card's rank.

1. The dealer places one card face up in the middle: the joker or middle card.
2. Place your bet on Andar (left) or Bahar (right), plus any side bet you can explain.
3. Cards are dealt to Andar and Bahar in turn.
4. The first side to receive a card of the same rank as the middle card wins, and the table pays at its printed odds.

Does the suit of the middle card matter?

No. Only the rank counts. If the middle card is the seven of hearts, the first seven of any suit decides the round. With one seven already in the middle, three more remain in a single deck, which is why a round can end on the first card or run for many deals.

Why can Andar and Bahar pay differently?

Whichever side receives the first card has a slightly better chance of the match, because it gets the first opportunity. Some tables balance this by paying that side a little less than even money, and others change which side is dealt first. The paytable on your table matters more than any general rule.

What are the common side bets?

Many tables offer bets on how many cards are dealt before the match, in ranges such as 1 to 5 or 6 to 10. Short ranges pay more because they are less likely. Some also offer bets on the middle card itself, such as higher or lower than seven, or red or black.

Side bets usually carry a bigger house edge than the main bet.

What should you check before placing chips?

• The table minimum and maximum.
• Whether it is live dealer or RNG.
• The side-bet names on the table. Skip any side bet you can't explain.
• The table ID, which you should screenshot in case you disconnect mid-deal.

How do you keep a session under control?

• Rounds are fast, so set a number of rounds or a time limit as well as a budget.
• Stick to the main bet until you have read the side-bet paytable.
• Ignore streaks. A long Bahar run doesn't make Andar due.

Teen Patti has its own rules guide, and our casino games page covers other Indian favourites.