Objective
The objective of Carrom is to pot all your Carrom pieces (discs) of your chosen color into the corner pockets of the Carrom board before your opponent does. The game is won by potting the "Queen" (a special red piece) and then securing it with one of your own pieces.
Equipment
- A Carrom board with four corner pockets.
- Nineteen Carrom pieces: nine white, nine black, and one red piece (the "Queen").
- A Striker, a larger and heavier disc used to strike the pieces.
Setup
- Arrange the Carrom pieces in the center circle of the board: the "Queen" in the middle, with the other pieces alternating around it in a star pattern.
- Each player chooses a color (either white or black).
- The Striker is positioned on the base line on the player's side before each turn.
Basic Rules
- Decide who plays first by coin toss or mutual agreement.
- On each turn, the player places the Striker on the base line.
- The player flicks the Striker with a finger or wrist to pot the Carrom pieces.
- If a player pots their own pieces, they continue to play.
- If no piece is potted or an opponent’s piece is potted, the turn passes to the other player.
Special Rules
- Queen Rule: The red "Queen" can be potted anytime, but must be "covered" (follow) by successfully potting another piece of the player’s color. If not covered, the "Queen" is returned to the center.
- Queen/Deck Securing: To successfully secure the "Queen," it must be covered in the same or following turn.
- Striker Fault: If the player pots the Striker, it's a "foul," and they lose one of their previously potted pieces, which is returned to the board.
Ending the Game
- The game ends when all pieces of one color are potted and the "Queen" is securely covered.
- Optional scoring rules may apply based on the remaining unpotted opponent's pieces.
Strategic Tips
- Positioning: Plan placements such that pieces can be pocketed easily in subsequent turns.
- Defense: Block the opponent from securing the "Queen" by strategic placements
- Accuracy: Practice precision strikes with the Striker for controlled movements across the board.
