Carrom
Carrom is a tabletop strike-and-pocket board game that originated in South Asia. Players use flicking motions with their fingers to propel a heavier striker disc into lighter carrom men, targeting four corner pockets.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- 19th century
- ORIGIN
- India / South Asia
- PLAYERS
- 2 or 4 (1v1, 2v2)
- EQUIPMENT
- Board, striker, pieces
- PLAYING AREA
- 74 × 74 cm board
- DURATION
- 25 pts or 8 boards
- GOVERNING BODY
- ICF
- OLYMPIC
- No
Piece values & counts
| Piece | Count | Point Value |
|---|---|---|
| White carrom man | 9 | 1 point |
| Black carrom man | 9 | 1 point |
| Red carrom man (Queen) | 1 | 3 points |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 1860s | Popular spread of early carrom variants across British India |
| 1958 | All India Carrom Federation (AICF) is established |
| 1988 | International Carrom Federation (ICF) is founded in Chennai |
| 1989 | Official standardized international carrom rules published |
How a game works
Players take turns sitting at their respective sides of a smooth square board. Using a finger flick, a player strikes a heavy disc to propel their assigned carrom men (white or black) into four corner pockets. A player continues shooting as long as they pocket a piece on each stroke.
Scoring in one line
Each pocketed carrom man is worth one point, while pocketing the red Queen awards three points if confirmed by pocketing a carrom man immediately after.
Where it came from
Carrom developed in India during the 19th century, blending principles of pocket billiards with traditional finger-flicking games. Glass carrom boards preserved from royal palaces in Patiala show its early popularity among Indian nobility before spreading across South Asia.
Carrom today
The International Carrom Federation governs global competition, overseeing regular world championships and cup tournaments. Carrom remains both a highly technical competitive board sport and one of South Asia's most ubiquitous household family games.
Run a Carrom tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 8 boards or 25 pts.
FAQ
How do you score the Queen in carrom?
To cover the Queen, a player must pocket the red piece and then successfully pocket one of their own carrom men on the same or next stroke. Successful covering awards three bonus points.
How many players can play carrom?
Carrom is played either with two players in a singles match or four players in a doubles match with partners seated opposite each other.
Is carrom an Olympic sport?
No, carrom is not currently an Olympic sport, though it is organized globally by the International Carrom Federation.