How to Play Carrom Board

How to Play Carrom Board

Posted on: 15 May, 2025

Share :

How to Play Carrom Board

Carrom is a classic tabletop game enjoyed by players of all ages across the globe. Whether you’re looking for a fun indoor activity with family or aiming to participate in a carrom tournament, this guide will help you master the game step by step.

🎯 What is the Carrom Game?

Carrom is a strike-and-pocket game played on a square wooden board with four corner pockets. Players use a striker disk to flick light coins (white, black, and one red queen) into these pockets. It’s typically played between 2 or 4 people and combines skill, accuracy, and smart strategy.

🛠️ How to Set Up a Carrom Board

Place the Board: On a level, non-slippery surface.


Arrange the Coins:

  • Place the red Queen in the center.

  • Surround it with alternating white and black coins.

Player Positions: Opponents sit across from each other. In doubles, teammates sit opposite.


Striker Placement: Place the striker on the baseline circle before taking your turn.

📜 Carrom Rules for Beginners

Objective: Pocket all your color coins before your opponent does.

Turns: Players alternate turns to strike.

Queen Rule: Pocket the Queen and cover it by sinking one of your coins in the next shot. Failing to do so returns the Queen to the center.

Fouls to Avoid:

  • Pocketing your opponent’s coin

  • Pocketing the striker

  • Failing to hit any coins

  • Touching the striker outside the baseline

Winning: The player who pockets all their coins and covers the Queen wins the board.

🎯 Top Carrom Techniques

Straight Shot: Aim directly at a coin.


Angle Shot: Hit from the side to reach tough coins.


Thumb Shot: For stronger flicks.


Cut Shot: Redirect coins into the pocket using sharp angles.


Board Control: Keep coins near pockets for quick follow-ups.

🧠 Advanced Carrom Strategies

Strategic Break: Spread the coins smartly at the start.


Defensive Play: Block your opponent’s targets.


Pocket Focus: Clear one pocket first.


Striker Angle Control: Adjust positions to improve your shot range.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Shooting out of turn

  • Forgetting to cover the Queen

  • Using your whole hand to strike

  • Ignoring fouls

  • Losing focus mid-game

🧰 Essential Carrom Equipment

Carrom Board: Smooth, durable surface


Carrom Coins: 9 white, 9 black, 1 red Queen


Striker: Slightly larger, heavier disk


Carrom Powder: Ensures smooth striker movement

🧩 Types of Carrom Boards

Standard: Ideal for beginners


Tournament: Larger with professional finish


Kids’ Size: Small, easy to handle


Foldable: Great for limited space

❓ FAQs About Carrom Board

Q1. Can you play carrom solo?


Yes. Practice aiming, shooting, and defensive moves solo.

Q2. What is the standard carrom board size?


74x74 cm board with a 64x64 cm playing area.

Q3. How to improve carrom accuracy?


Daily practice, wrist control, and mastering finger flicks.

Q4. Best powder for carrom board?


Boric powder is common. Try branded carrom powders for smoother play.

✅ Conclusion

Mastering how to play carrom board is both fun and rewarding. By following this beginner's guide, practicing regularly, and focusing on smart techniques, you’ll develop your skills and enjoy the game to its fullest. Whether it’s a friendly match or a competitive game, carrom is a game of joy, focus, and finesse.

👉 Explore our Carrom Boards Collection
👉 Shop the Best Beginner Carrom Board

Recent Posts
All ×