How to Play Carrom

THE PLAYBOOK · QCYANGCHU

Learn your way around Carrom

Bring your attention to one round of Carrom. Clear your nine carrom men after the queen is covered. Look at what changes after your first action. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Play a casual Carrom match using the house rules shown here. Tournament penalties and multi-board match scoring are not used.

Something to practise

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your objective

Clear your nine carrom men after the queen is covered. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

Work through the instructions

1. White starts; set striker aim and power.
2. Own-colour pockets earn another shot.
3. Cover the queen with an own-colour man in the same or next shot.
4. Striker fouls return one own pocketed man if available.
5. Finish your colour after a covered queen.

Using the playing area

Touch to aim; sliders set power and angle; striker-position controls and Shoot. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

A useful example

Queen and own man in one legal shot cover immediately. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Consider the next action carefully.

Where a round can go wrong

The last own man returns if the queen remains uncovered. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

Read these answers for extra help