We can’t deny India’s love affair with card games. Playing them is pretty much rooted in tradition and woven into their culture. Card games are simply a favorite pastime for many generations, but some games are also traditionally played on important events like Diwali.
This can then make you wonder if these card games are also hits online. Well, some of them are, especially poker. So Much Poker says that there are close to a million Indian players who would play real-money poker regularly.
But with India becoming such a hotspot for online gambling, many operators and software providers are starting to offer traditional Indian card games to cater to more Indian players. These days you can play Teen Patti online for real money at most online casinos.
Now, even if poker remains one of the most popular card games at online casinos, will other traditional card games eventually gain more popularity? Well, let’s get to know what these games can bring to the table first.
Other Popular Traditional Card Games in India
So, aside from poker, what are other Indian card games you can enjoy online? Here’s a closer look at your options.
Andar Bahar
Andar Bahar is for those who mostly enjoy a pure game of chance that’s simple. This card game involves a single deck of cards and a simple objective: predicting whether the chosen card will appear on the Andar (inside) or Bahar (outside) side of a laid-out array.
Most online casinos have this as a regular table game, but some may have this available in their live casino section. You can play this with charming live dealers and other players not only in India but in other countries too.
Teen Patti
This one is often dubbed Indian Poker as it has similarities to classic poker. Players are dealt three cards and aim to have the best hand or successfully bluff their way to victory. You might enjoy this if you’re also after strategic gameplay.
Like Andar Bahar, online casinos usually offer this as a regular game or live dealer option.
Rummy
We can all agree that Rummy is quite a test of skill. This involves creating sets (groups of cards with the same rank) and sequences (consecutive cards of the same suit) to form valid combinations.
The objective is to be the first to meld all your cards into these combinations and declare “Rummy.” Online Rummy platforms offer a wide range of options, from casual games to high-stakes tournaments.
Overall, it’s a game that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability, and this is why it’s a favorite among those who enjoy a mental challenge.
Bridge
For those seeking a more cerebral card game experience, Bridge can be worth a shot. This trick-taking game demands teamwork, communication, and strategic bidding. It’s a game of partnerships where you collaborate with a partner to outmaneuver your opponents.
Online Bridge platforms facilitate this collaboration, so you get to connect with players of similar skill levels and enjoy this classic game’s complexities. However, know that this is still something uncommon for real money gaming.
Satte Pe Satta
This shedding-type card game is all about being the first to get rid of all your cards. It’s a game of quick thinking and strategic play.
Each player starts with a hand of cards, and the goal is to discard them by matching the top card of the discard pile either by rank or suit. If a player cannot match, they must draw a card from the stockpile.
The first person to get rid of all their cards wins the round. The fast-paced nature and element of surprise make Satte Pe Satta a fun and engaging game for players of all ages. Online versions of Satte Pe Satta for real money let you compete against friends or other players online.
Twenty-eight (28)
Twenty-eight is something you can play with a partner or other casino players. This is also leaning towards strategic gameplay. The goal is to accumulate points by bidding on the number of tricks your team can win and then fulfilling that bid.
The highest bidder gets to choose the trump suit, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game. So far, this is also something not so popular at online casinos yet.
Conclusion: Will These Traditional Card Games Eventually Be More Popular Than Poker?
The question of whether these traditional card games will eventually surpass poker in popularity is a complex one. Poker simply has a global appeal and an already established online presence. Most, if not all, online casinos are already offering this card game.
However, the resurgence of interest in traditional Indian card games can’t be ignored. These games hold a unique cultural significance and resonate deeply with Indian players.
So, as online platforms continue to offer improved accessibility and user experiences for these games, their popularity is likely to grow steadily. That said, it’s still unlikely that they’ll overrun poker anytime soon.
Still, they’re worth looking into if you want to play something new or different.