Carrom Rules: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Carrom is easy to start and takes a lifetime to master. This page walks through the rules in the order you meet them at the board, and links to a detailed guide for each part.
The board and the pieces
A tournament board has a square playing surface of about 74 cm per side, a pocket in each corner, and printed markings: the centre circle, a pair of baselines in front of each player, and diagonal arrow lines towards the pockets. A full set has 19 coins (9 white, 9 black and the red queen) and one heavier, larger striker.
- Standard Carrom Board Size: What You Need to KnowBoard, pocket and frame dimensions.
- Carrom Board Markings ExplainedWhat each circle and line is for.
- Carrom Striker Weight and Size: What Actually MattersWhy the striker is heavier than the coins.
Setting up the coins
The queen goes on the centre spot, surrounded by an inner ring of six coins and an outer ring of twelve, alternating colours so that each player has a fair spread.
- Carrom Coin Placement Diagram: How to Set Up the BoardThe exact circle pattern, with a diagram.
Taking a turn
Place the striker between your two baselines and flick it to hit the coins. If you pocket one of your own coins you shoot again; if you pocket nothing, or only your opponent's coins, the turn passes. Players flick with a finger or, in some styles, the thumb.
- How to Play Carrom: Rules, Setup & BasicsThe full step-by-step walkthrough.
- Carrom Thumb Shot Technique: A Step-by-Step GuideWhen and how to use the thumb shot.
- How to Aim Accurately in CarromSighting lines and stance.
The queen
The red queen can be pocketed at any time after you have pocketed at least one of your own coins (house rules vary). It only counts if you cover it by pocketing one of your own coins straight after; otherwise it goes back to the centre.
- What Happens When You Pocket the Queen in CarromCovering, timing and common disputes.
Fouls and penalties
Pocketing the striker, or knocking a piece off the board, is a foul. The usual penalty is returning one of your pocketed coins to the centre and losing your turn.
- Common Carrom Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)The fouls and habits that cost games.
Doubles, scoring and tournaments
In doubles, partners sit opposite each other and turns go round the table. A board ends when one side pockets all its coins; the winner scores a point for each coin the opponent has left, plus the queen if they covered it. Clubs usually play several boards up to a target score.
- Carrom Doubles Rules ExplainedSeating, turn order and teamwork.
- How to Organize a Carrom TournamentFormats, brackets and match day.
Equipment and board care
A fast, even board makes the rules play the way they should. A light dusting of carrom powder keeps the striker gliding.
- Carrom Board Maintenance Guide: Keep It Fast & SmoothCleaning, powder and storage.
- Carrom Powder Alternatives at Home: Talc, Boric & MoreWhat works when you run out.
- How Are Carrom Boards So Slippery?The science of a fast board.
Where carrom comes from
Carrom grew up in South Asia and spread worldwide; today it sits alongside chess and backgammon as a classic indoor game.
- History of the Carrom Board GameFrom its origins to modern boards.
- Carrom Versus Pool: The Real DifferencesHow it compares with cue sports.
- Classic Board Games to Play Indoors (and How to Pick)Carrom alongside other family classics.
- Teaching Kids to Play Carrom: A Starter GuideSimplified rules for young players.
Next steps
Once the rules feel natural, the fastest way to improve is a little focused practice and a plan for each board.
- The Best Way to Learn Carrom FastThe practice order that speeds up beginners.
- How to Practice Carrom Alone: A Solo Training GuideDrills you can do without a partner.
- Tips to Win at Carrom: A Real Strategy GuideFrom legal shots to winning boards.
More carrom guides
Carrom Strategy and Technique Carrom Equipment and Board Care All articles on the blog →Practise everything on this page in our fair, skill-first carrom game.
Get notified at launch