Carrom
Indian tabletop game of flicking discs into corner pockets.
Carrom is a tabletop game that originated in India, where players flick or flip discs to knock them into corner pockets, much like billiards. Across South Asia, it’s a staple in clubs and cafés, which host regular tournaments, and it’s also a common pastime for families and at social gatherings. Rules and standards vary by region.
The name likely comes from "carom," meaning to strike and rebound.
The game began in India. A glass-topped carrom board still exists in a palace in Patiala, India. State-level competitions were held in various Indian states in the early 1900s. Serious tournaments may have started in Sri Lanka in 1935; by 1958, both India and Sri Lanka had official federations that sponsored tournaments and gave prizes. The International Carrom Federation (ICF) was formed in 1988 in Chennai, India, and published the formal rules for the Indian version that same year. The UK Carrom Federation (UKCF) was founded in 1991 in London to promote the game in the UK and get UK players into international championships; it has hosted three Euro cups in England and runs national championships and league tournaments annually. The United States Carrom Association tracks competitions in the US and Canada and maintains a player ranking list. In 2004, enthusiasts in Pakistan formed the Pakistani Carrom Federation, which builds clubs to teach the game. The German Carrom Federation, founded in 1986, supports clubs and teams across Germany. The Italian Carrom Federation, started in 1995 by enthusiasts, spreads the game through volunteer-run events. The Japan Carrom Federation, established in 1997, moved its headquarters to Tokyo in 2001; it held its first national championship in 2004 and now runs tournaments, demonstrations, and training camps. Boards and pieces are available in Europe, North America, and Australia, usually imported from India. High-end boards are made from quality wood with decorations, but cheaper ones exist. Major Indian exporters include Precise, Surco, Syndicate Sports, and Paul Traders.
The game is played on a square plywood board with a pocket in each corner. The ICF specifies the playing surface must be between 73.5 and 74 centimeters per side, with wooden bumper edges and nets under each pocket that can hold at least ten pieces.
Quick Facts
- Italic Title
- No
- Title
- Carrom
- Genre
- Board game
- Players
- 2–4
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The word carrom probably comes from carom, meaning 'to strike and rebound'. The game originated in India, and one carrom board with a glass surface is still present in a palace in Patiala, India. State-level competitions were held in different Indian states during the early part of the 20th century. Serious carrom tournaments may have begun in Sri Lanka in 1935; by 1958, both India and Sri Lanka had formed official federations of carrom clubs, sponsoring tournaments and awarding prizes.
Reader's Guide
The International Carrom Federation (ICF), formed in 1988 in Chennai, India, promulgates the International Rules of Carrom and acts as the governing body, ranking players, sanctioning tournaments, and presenting awards. National federations include the All-India Carrom Federation, Australian Carrom Federation, United States Carrom Association, UK Carrom Federation (formed 1991), German Carrom Federation (founded 1986), Italian Carrom Federation (founded 1995), Japan Carrom Federation (established 1997), and Pakistani Carrom Federation (established 2004). The game uses a square board with corner pockets, 19 pieces (9 white, 9 black, and a red queen), and a striker. Fine-grained powder, often boric acid, is used to reduce friction. The queen is the most valuable piece, worth 3 points, and must be covered by pocketing one's own carrom man afterward. Different standards and rules exist in different areas. The board and pieces are usually imported from India, with major exporters including Precise, Surco, Syndicate Sports, and Paul Traders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carrom?
Carrom is a tabletop flicking game in which players strike a heavy disc called the striker to knock smaller pieces into four corner pockets. It is played on a square board and is especially popular across South Asia in homes, clubs, and cafés.
Where did Carrom originate?
Carrom began in India, and a glass-topped board from the game's early days is still preserved in a palace in Patiala. State-level competitions were already being organized in various Indian states by the early 1900s.
What pieces make up a standard Carrom set?
A regulation set includes 19 playing pieces—nine white, nine black, and one red queen—along with a single heavy striker disc. All of these rest on a square plywood board with pockets at each corner.
Who governs Carrom at the international level?
The International Carrom Federation (ICF), established in 1988 in Chennai, India, serves as the global governing body. It sets the standard board dimensions at 73.5 to 74 cm per side and oversees international competition.
What does the word 'Carrom' mean?
The name most likely derives from the term 'carom,' which refers to the act of striking a ball or disc so that it rebounds off another. This captures the core mechanic of the game, where the striker hits pieces to send them into pockets.
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