The Ultimate Guide to Carrom Board Rules and Regulations

Carrom is a popular tabletop game of Indian origin enjoyed by millions worldwide. It's a skill, strategy, and entertainment game that requires players to strike and pocket coins using a striker. Understanding the basic rules and regulations is essential to ensure a fun and fair game. This article delves into the carrom world, covering the fundamental laws, fouls, scoring systems, and regulations.

Basic Rules of Carrom 

Number of Players: 2-4 players can play carrom, divided into two teams.

- Carrom board (29 inches x 29 inches) 

- 9 white coins (or pieces) 

- 2 black coins (or pieces) 

- 1 red coin (Queen) 

- 1 striker (usually red) 

Objective: Pocket all your coins and the red coin (Queen) before your opponent.

Gameplay: 

1. Players sit opposite each other, with the carrom board in the center. 

2. Each player chooses their color (white or black). 

3. The game starts with a coin toss or mutual agreement to decide which team plays first. 

4. Players alternate turns. 

5. To play, place your finger behind the baseline and strike the striker with your finger's tip. 

6. The striker must touch both the baseline and the circle. 

7. Coins can only be pocketed when struck directly by the striker. 

Fouls in Carrom 

A foul is committed when a player breaks the rules, resulting in penalties. Common fouls include:

1. Finger Fault: Touching the striker with more than one finger or crossing the baseline. 

2. Striker Fault: Striking the coin with the side or edge of the striker. 3. Coin Fault: Touching or moving coins with hands or fingers.

4. Loss of Turn: Failing to strike or pocket a coin.

5. Pocketing the Striker: Accidentally pocketing the striker. 

Consequences of Fouls: 

The opponent gets an extra turn. 

- If the foul results in a coin being pocketed, it's returned to the center circle. - Repeated fouls can lead to a loss of game or match.

Double Red Rule in Carrom 

The double red rule is a crucial aspect of Carrom. If a player pockets the red coin (Queen) and another coin in the same stroke, they score points for both coins. 

Carrom Board Rules for Red Coin (Queen) 

1. The red coin can only be pocketed after a player has pocketed one of their coins. 

2. Pocketing the red coin without fulfilling this condition results in a foul. 3. The player scores points for both if the red coin is pocketed with another coin. 

Scoring System

- Each coin pocketed: 1 point 

- Red coin (Queen): 3 points 

- Winning the game: 1 point ( bonus) 

- Losing the game: 0 points 

Game and Match 

- A game consists of playing until one team pockets all their coins and the red coin. - A match typically consists of the best 2 out of 3 or 3 out of 5 games. 

Additional Rules and Regulations 

1. Board Maintenance: Ensure the carrom board is clean and smooth. 

2. Coin Placement: Coins are placed in the center circle at the start of each game. 

3. Striker Size: The striker should be standard size and weight. 

4. Game Interruption: If play is interrupted, the game resumes from the previous position. Carrom Board Rules and Regulations: Points to Remember

1. Always check the carrom board and equipment before starting. 

2. Understand the rules and regulations to avoid fouls. 3. Communicate with your opponent to resolve disputes. 

4. Play fairly and respectfully. 

The history and origin of Carrom

Ancient Origins (500 BC-1500 AD) 

1. The game's ancient roots are linked to the Indian epic, the Mahabharata (around 400 BC), where a similar game called "ekachakra" or "chakka" was mentioned. 2. Another theory suggests that Carrom descended from the Persian game "Nardshir" or "Nard". 

Evolution and Spread (1500-1900) 

1. By the 16th century, games similar to Carrom were played in various forms across India, particularly in the royal courts of the Mughal Empire. 

2. The game spread to other parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. 

Modern Carrom (1900-Present) 

1. The modern version of Carrom emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century in India. 2. The first official rules were framed in India in 1937. 

3. The International Carrom Federation (ICF) was formed in 1988. 

4. Carrom is now played globally, with international championships and recognition.

The best carrom players in history: 

Men's Category: 

1. A. Maria Irudayam (India): Regarded by many as the greatest carrom player of all time. 

- 2-time World Carrom Champion (1991, 1995) 

- 5-time South Asian Games gold medalist 

- 14-time National Champion 

2. Ashok Haritwal (India): A dominant force in carrom for over two decades. 

- 3-time World Carrom Champion (1983, 1987, 1991) 

- 4-time South Asian Games gold medalist 

- 10-time National Champion 

3. M. Chandramouli (India): A versatile player with numerous international titles. 

- World Carrom Champion (2004) 

- 3-time South Asian Games gold medalist 

- 7-time National Champion 

4. Nishant Koharkar (India): A skilled player with a strong record in international competitions. 

- World Carrom Champion (2014)

- 2-time South Asian Games gold medalist 

- 5-time National Champion 

5. Mohamed Ghouse (Sri Lanka): A legendary player from Sri Lanka with numerous international titles. 

- 2-time World Carrom Champion (1987, 1995) 

- 4-time South Asian Games gold medalist 

Women's Category: 

1. Ilavazhagi (India): A pioneering female carrom player with numerous international titles. 

- 3-time World Carrom Champion (1991, 1995, 2004) 

- 5-time South Asian Games gold medalist 

- 10-time National Champion 

2. S. Parimala Devi (India): A dominant force in women's carrom for over a decade. 

- 2-time World Carrom Champion (2004, 2014) 

- 4-time South Asian Games gold medalist 

- 7-time National Champion 

3. A. S. S. Kavitha (India): A skilled player with numerous international titles. 

- World Carrom Champion (2014) 

- 3-time South Asian Games gold medalist 

- 5-time National Champion