Carrom is a popular tabletop game that has its origins in India and is extremely popular in Southeast Asia. The rules of the game are pretty straightforward, but then players need to be attentive to details and look to avoid fouls since they can change the game’s momentum.
For all types of players, it is important to understand the common mistakes. Here, we take a look at the common mistakes or fouls in carrom and how to prevent them when they are playing the game.
What Are Carrom Fouls?
Fouls in carrom are actions that violate the carrom game’s rules, often resulting in a loss of turn or even giving the opponent an advantage. Now, there some fouls that happen unintentionally, but they can still disrupt the flow of the game and influence the outcome. Hence, it is important to know all the rules and understand the consequences of these mistakes so that you do not hand your opponent any advantage.
Touch and Go
One of the most common fouls, especially for newcomers, is the “touch and go” error. This happens when a player unintentionally touches the striker or any piece on the board with fingers, hands, or any other part of the body before making an official strike. As per the rules, only a single finger should flick the striker without any interference with the board pieces.
- Consequence: Committing this foul means the player forfeits their turn, and the opponent gains a point. Any moved pieces are also repositioned back to their original spots.
Off the Board
If the striker or any coin goes off the board after a shot, it’s considered a foul. This often happens when players use excessive force or miscalculate the angle of their shot. To avoid this mistake, practice using controlled, accurate shots.
- Consequence: The player loses their turn, and any pieces that left the board are returned to the center, maintaining game balance.
Double Shot
In carrom, players must wait for the striker to come to a complete stop before making their next move. Attempting a shot while the striker is still in motion results in a “double shot” foul. This mistake is more common in fast-paced play when players may act hastily.
- Consequence: The player loses their turn, and any pocketed coins from the invalid shot are returned to the board.
Pocketing the Opponent’s Piece
It’s essential to focus on pocketing your assigned coins (black or white) rather than your opponent’s. There could be times when you can accidentally pocket an opponent’s coin after which you will lose your turn and at the same time concede an undeserved point advantage to the opponent. Maintaining awareness of coin positions and careful aim can help avoid this foul.
- Consequence: The opponent gains the pocketed coins and earns additional points, while the player who committed the foul loses their turn.
Invalid Shot
An “invalid shot” occurs if the striker is placed improperly or a shot is taken from the wrong spot on the board. The striker must be positioned behind the baseline and flicked correctly. Shots made from incorrect positions violate the rules, making them invalid.
- Consequence: The player loses their turn and incurs a penalty point. Any pocketed pieces are reset to the board.
Time Violation
In competitive carrom, players usually have a time limit of 30 to 60 seconds per turn. Exceeding this limit is a time violation. Taking too long disrupts the game’s pace and is considered an unfair advantage, as it allows extra time for strategizing.
- Consequence: The player forfeits their turn, and the opponent is awarded a free shot, providing them an extra opportunity to score.
Unfair Play
Actions intended to distract or deceive the opponent are classified as unfair play. Examples include intentionally moving pieces by hand, unauthorized strikes, or creating distractions like excessive noise. Such behaviour breaches the spirit of fair competition and can carry severe consequences.
- Consequence: Penalties for unfair play vary depending on the severity, ranging from loss of turn or points to, in extreme cases, disqualification from the game.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common carrom fouls can greatly improve your game and ensure a fair match. Practicing precision, following the rules, and maintaining good sportsmanship will enhance your playing experience. Whether for fun or competition, being mindful of these common mistakes will keep the game enjoyable for everyone involved.
