Carrom is a popular tabletop game and has been one of the most popular pastime in India and has gradually gained global popularity. Known for bringing families and friends together at social gatherings, carrom is commonly played by two or four players, and it’s a game filled with strategic moves and friendly competition.
Carrom is known as different names in different parts of the world that include names like couronne, carum, karam, karom, and finger billiards. Each of these versions is tailored to local culture and play style.
The Carrom Board: A Brief Overview
A standard carrom board game is a square, flat wooden surface, generally about 71–74 cm in size, with four circular pockets, one in each corner. These pockets, about 51 mm in diameter, are netted to catch carrom pieces during gameplay.
The main objective of the game is to use a striker to pocket all of one’s carrom men (either black or white) and, ultimately, the queen which is a special red piece that has the highest value.
The term “carrom” originated from Southeast Asia, and it traveled with Portuguese influence into India. In English-speaking countries, “carrom” later became associated with “carrom billiards,” a cue-based game played on a pocketless table similar to snooker. When billiarnds became popular across the world, carrom too became very familiar to people across diverse cultures.
Why Carrom Has Endured Through Time
Carrom has been extremely popular over the years since it needs minimal investment—just a board, 19 pieces, and a striker. This simplicity has made it a popular pastime for the general public, especially in India, where villagers and city dwellers alike gather for carrom games in the evenings.
As carrom evolved, different regions developed their own variations, often customizing rules and styles to suit their preferences. This adaptability is one reason why carrom has remained popular for centuries, evolving alongside its players.
Carrom in Modern Times
In 1988, the International Carrom Federation (ICF) was formed in Chennai, India, to formalize the rules of the Indian version of the game, marking a significant step in its professionalization. Since then, carrom has gained popularity not only in South Asia but also in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, with a growing interest in Western nations as well. Organized tournaments are held regularly in India and globally, giving the game a competitive edge and a fanbase in multiple countries.
The digital era has taken carrom further into the modern world. Today, you can play carrom online against friends or players worldwide, either through a computer or mobile device. This online adaptation has introduced the game to even more enthusiasts and preserved its relevance in a fast-paced, tech-driven world.
Carrom: Rules, Coins, and Gameplay
In carrom, the basic rules involve using a striker to hit the carrom men into the board’s four corner pockets. A few key rules include:
- The striker should be placed between baseline markers and must be flicked forward, never horizontally or backward.
- A player who pockets the queen must also pocket one of their own carrom men as a “cover” to retain it.
- If a player fails to pocket a piece or commits a foul, their turn ends.
- When the queen is pocketed without a cover, it returns to the center.
The carrom men consist of 19 coins—9 black, 9 white, and 1 red queen—each with specific point values and strategic importance, particularly the queen, which holds the highest point value but requires a cover to score.
Final Thoughts: Carrom’s Timeless Appeal
The journey of carrom from royal courts to mobile apps highlights its lasting appeal and adaptability. Whether playing on a traditional wooden board or a digital version, carrom continues to be a beloved pastime that has successfully crossed cultural and generational boundaries.
So, the next time you gather with family or friends, consider enjoying a game of carrom—a game rooted in history, rich in skill, and brimming with moments of joy and camaraderie.
