Objective of the Game
Carom Billiards is a skill game played on a billiard table without pockets. The primary objective of the game is to hit both of the other balls on the table with one's own cue ball in a single stroke, known as a carom.
Setup
- A carom table is similar to a billiard table but has no pockets.
- There are three balls used in the game: a white ball (cue ball), a yellow ball (second cue ball), and a red ball (object ball).
- Each player chooses either the white or yellow ball as their cue ball.
Basic Rules
- Players take turns hitting their cue ball.
- The goal is to achieve a carom by hitting both of the other balls with their cue ball in a single stroke.
- A successful carom earns the player a point and the opportunity to shoot again.
- If a player fails to achieve a carom, their turn ends and the next player takes their turn.
- The cue ball must first contact one of the other two balls directly or indirectly (via the cushion) first.
Special Features and Strategies
- Cushion Play: Players utilize the cushions strategically to create tricky angles or better position the ball.
- Positioning: An important skill is hitting the balls in such a way that the cue ball and at least one of the other balls remain in favorable positions for the next carom attempt.
- Various game variations exist with specific rules, including One-cushion, Straight Rail, and Three-cushion.
Winning Conditions
- The game typically ends when a player reaches a predetermined number of points, often 25 or 50, depending on the agreed rules.
Carom Billiards requires precision, strategic thinking, and skill. It can be played in singles or as a tournament with multiple players.
