Andar Bahar — Game Research Profile

Last updated: 6 November 2026

A spread deck of playing cards
Photo: Countakeshi · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A south-Indian one-card guessing game of pure chance — brutally simple, culturally ubiquitous, and a staple of live-dealer studios worldwide.

Origin & popularity in India

Andar Bahar (also Katti) originates in Karnataka and spread across the south generations ago; its single-decision simplicity made it the most exported Indian game format of the online era.

Game mechanics

A middle card is drawn; cards are then dealt alternately to "andar" (inside) and "bahar" (outside) piles, and the bet is simply which side first receives a card matching the middle card's rank.

Variations

Regional popularity

Southern heartland (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra/Telangana), now known countrywide.

Legal considerations

A pure game of chance with no skill defence anywhere in India; money play falls under state prohibitions and the federal 2025 online ban.

18+ · Gambling involves financial risk and can be addictive. Play responsibly. · Responsible gaming