- If the striker is pocketed.
- If the striker or any other piece goes off the board.
- If you violate the rules while making a shot.
- If you touch any piece in play, except for the striker.
- If you fail to break the circle within three attempts.
What is Carrom?
Carrom, a classic tabletop board game, has been beloved by people of all ages for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to the 18th century in the Indian subcontinent, where it is believed to have originated in the palaces of Indian Maharajas. Over time, carrom has expanded beyond its Indian origins and is now enjoyed on a national and international level, with skilled players participating in prestigious world championships.
Carrom Benifits
Strategy
In order to emerge as the victor, a player must possess a well-crafted game plan. Carrom compels every player to contemplate their moves before executing them.
Geometry & Physics
Every single segment of the board can be graphed with various angles and forces. The greater your dedication to practicing it, the more you will excel as a champion.
Quick decision making
Players are given a limited time of 10 to 15 seconds per move, compelling them to devise a strategic plan and execute their moves with precision.
Analytical Thinking
Plotting a coin does not provide a solution for every situation in the game. However, the number of playing turns you extract from your opponent plays a crucial role in determining the key to success.
Enhances concentration & cognitive abilities
The importance of the point of contact between the striker and the coin should not be underestimated when it comes to successfully pocketing a coin. Achieving the best outcomes necessitates a significant amount of patience and dedication in order to maintain focus on this critical element.
Collaboration
Carrom game unites friends and families for an enjoyable gameplay experience. Currently, there are millions of carrom players globally who come together to participate in tournaments.
Predictions
To secure victory in a match, it is crucial to anticipate the opponent's strategy and understand their mindset. This will enable you to adapt your gameplay accordingly and increase your chances of winning.
& Fun!
The more you get into the gameplay, the more enjoyable it becomes!
How to play Carrom?
Rules, Coins arrangement, Seating position & Demonstration
Carrom board
It’s a square wooden board with a smooth surface marked with a grid. It must have a playing surface measuring 74 to 76 centimetres on each side.
Carrommen (Coins)
Carrommen are small, round playing pieces, usually in black and white, with a diameter ranging from 3.02 cm to 3.018 cm and a thickness between 0.70 cm and 0.90 cm. The board should have nine white, nine black and a red carromman placed at the centre.
Striker
The striker is a larger disc-shaped piece with a diameter not exceeding 4.13 cm, used by players to shoot the smaller carrommen into the pockets.
Powder
It’s a fine substance applied to the board’s surface to reduce friction and ensure smooth movement of carrommen and strikers.
Stand or table
The Carrom board must be placed on a stand or table with a height ranging from 63.00 cm to 70.00 cm. The purpose is to provide a stable and level playing surface.
Nets
The board’s pockets are covered by nets fixed at the bottom of the board. Each net should have the capacity to hold at least ten carrommen.
Create a level playing surface
Place the carrom board on a sturdy stand to create a level playing surface. Apply a small amount of powder to the board for a smoother gameplay experience.
Arrange the coins
Place the Queen in the centre and surround it with carrommen, alternating between black and white coins in a circular pattern. Position the white carrommen in a “Y” shape, with two sides pointing directly towards the corner pockets.
Position of the players
In a standard two-player game, the players sit across from each other. In doubles, where there are two teams, partners sit opposite each other, occupying all four sides of the board.
Placing the striker
When placing the striker on the board for a shot, ensure that it touches both baselines. It can either completely cover the end circle or not touch it at all. The striker should not make contact with the diagonal arrow line.
Objective
The game’s objective is to pocket the coins and the Queen before your opponent. As per the carrom point rules, a game shall be 25 points or eight boards. “Board” refers to the period from the start, when the referee calls “Play,” until its conclusion with the pocketing of the last carrommen by any player. The player or team who reaches 25 points first or leads after the eighth board wins the game.
Scoring
A Queen earns you three points in carrom, while a carromman earns you one point. To receive points for the Queen, you must legally pocket another carromman in the same turn. However, if a players score reaches 22 or more points, they do not receive the three bonus points for covering the Queen.
Foul Shots
Carrom has specific rules governing fouls, and committing a foul results in a penalty for the offender. Fouls in carrom happen in the following situations:
Winning a Board
To win a round or board in carrom, you must earn the designated points first, i.e. 25 points. But remember that carrom is played in a series of rounds, and the overall winner is the player or team that wins most of these rounds.
Advance rules
Practice regularly
Like any skill-based game, practice is crucial. Spend time playing carrom to enhance your aim, control, and understanding of how the striker behaves on the board.
Study the board
Learn how the carrom board behaves. Observe how the carrom striker and coins move, react to angles, and interact with the board’s edges. This knowledge will help you anticipate and plan your shots better.
Pocket the easy coins first
Collecting all nearby coins or those lying around the pockets is wiser. This boosts confidence and develops a habit of aiming and pocketing the carromman.
Understand the force of the striker
Use less force for close shots and apply more force and focus for distant shots.
Strategic break
When breaking, aim to pocket at least 2–3 coins strategically. Additionally, try to free your coins as much as possible during the break.
Blocking the opponent
While breaking, play a shot that will block or make it challenging for the opponent to take a direct hit at their carrommen.
Prioritise easy coins
Always aim for easy-to-pocket coins first. To do this, take advantage of shots like the cut shot, middle shot, or second shot.
Queen bonus
The player who pockets the queen first earns 3 points. But if you’re not able to pocket the queen, try to block it for your opponent.
Avoid fouls
Avoid making any fouls or penalties. Fouls may require you to return your pocket carrommen on the board or even forfeit your turn.
