Before diving into the gameplay, it’s essential to understand the proper Carrom board setup.
A square board measuring approximately 74cm x 74cm.
Four corner pockets and boundary bumpers (or cushions).
Smooth wooden surface to allow easy gliding of coins and striker.
9 white coins
9 black coins
1 red coin (called the Queen)
All 19 coins are arranged in a circle at the center of the board:
The red Queen sits in the very middle.
The white and black coins are alternated around it.
The striker is placed on the base line (two parallel horizontal lines near the player).
It must be flicked only using the fingers — no pushing or scooping is allowed.
A correct setup lays the foundation for fair and competitive play while learning how to play Carrom.
Understanding the basic Carrom rules is key to developing good gameplay habits.
Pocket all your assigned coins (either black or white). Successfully pocket and cover the Queen before your opponent does.
Players take turns flicking the striker toward the coins. Pocketing your coin earns an extra turn. Pocket the Queen and cover it by pocketing one of your coins in the next move. If not, it returns to the center. The player who pockets all their coins and the Queen wins the round.
Pocketing the striker results in a penalty. Pocketing the opponent’s coin unintentionally loses a turn. Failing to pocket a coin in three turns results in a foul. Touching striker or coins illegally leads to penalties.
By following these rules, you'll better understand how to play Carrom competitively and fairly.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started with how to play Carrom the right way.
Winning at Carrom requires more than just luck — it’s about planning, control, and smart play. Here are some beginner-friendly strategies:
Practice using different fingers (index, middle) to find your most accurate shot.
Clearing the central cluster opens up better angles for later shots.
Bounce the striker off the board edges to reach difficult coins.
Only go for the Queen when you’re confident you can cover it immediately.
Block your opponent’s access to easy coins by placing your coins tactically.
Applying these techniques will dramatically improve your understanding of how to play Carrom and help you win more games.
Many beginners lose games by making simple, avoidable mistakes. Watch out for these:
Overpowering the striker reduces control and often leads to fouls.
Pocketing the Queen without planning to cover it wastes opportunity.
Misaligned shots can miss targets or result in fouls.
Trying to pocket multiple coins in one shot can lead to overextension.
This hands over points and advantage to the opponent.
Avoiding these mistakes is crucial to refining your skill in how to play Carrom successfully.
