Games
The game of Carrom
Carrom originated in India several centuries ago and is now very popular in the UK. It is the ancestor of pool, snooker and billiards. Carrom is played with counters and you flick the pieces into the pockets using a striker. Children as young as seven can pick the game up easily. It is also played seriously all over Asia, with international tournaments for cash prizes.
The object of the game is to flick a striker to hit and pocket a playing piece. The pieces can be pocketed into any pocket. Depending on which game is being played, either some or all of the playing pieces are legitimate targets.
Carrom Rules
Two or four people can play carrom. If two, the players sit opposite each other, while with four, the opposite two are partners. As an exception, though, you can play with three players against each other for points. Arrange the carrom men on the center circle of the carrom board as shown in the following illustration, with the red ‘queen’ at the center. The whites should be lined up to form a “Y” shape, with two sides aiming directly towards the corner pockets.
Shooting styles are very personal - whichever ‘grip’ works for you is fine as long as you ‘flick’ the striker and don’t push it. Generally, it’s best to orient your body in order to see the line of your aim while shooting comfortably; you may not move or leave your chair. For forward shots, you can use your index finger, middle finger, or even the ’scissors’ shot. Before shooting, try touching the striker with your fingernail, to be sure that its really on line. This will improve your accuracy and prevent you from hurting your finger.
