Simple Rules In The Carom Game

There are quite simple rules in the carom game and knowing them would be very useful to get started with the game.

1) Two to four people can play carom at a time, if two of them are playing then they have to sit opposite side of the board, while four can occupy all the four side of the board. Partner should sit opposite to each other. As an exception even three can play against each other for points.

2) Follow the rules for arranging the coins; arrange the carom men on the centre circle of the carom board, with the red queen at centre. The white should be arranged in such a way as to form "y" shape with two sides aiming directly towards corner pockets.

3) Each player sits on his side and can strike from that side only.

4) When placing the striker on the board to strike, it should touch both the base line or on end circle covering it completely, or not touching it at all. The striker should not touch the diagonal arrow.

5) Striking style depends on individual comfort, which ever grip is comfortable is fine as long as you flick the striker and don’t push it. For forward shots, you can either use your index finger, middle finger or scissors shot. Before shooting, touch the striker with your nail to be sure that it’s on line. This will prevent you form hurting your finger and will improve your accuracy.

6) For back shots you can use your thumb or scissors style.

7) Except your hand, any other part of body should not cross the imaginary diagonal line. Also make sure that only your wrist can touch the board.

8) The red queen can be pocketed after sinking the first piece but before your last one. After pocketing the queen, you must sink any of your carom men, covering it in the next shot, or else queen will be returned back to the center point of the board.

9) Once the queen is covered, who ever clears all their carom men first wins the game.

10) The winner of the board collect one point for each carom men left by the opponent at the end and three points if the queen is covered by winner itself.

11) A game consists of 25 points or eight boards, whichever comer earlier.

12) Sinking the striker cost you one piece and one turn. If you sink any of the carom men in the same shot then you shoot again.

13) If a piece jump out of board while shooting then the piece will be placed on the center spot.

14) If there is any overlapping of the piece then they are left as it is.

15) If you sink your opponent’s piece you lose the turn and if you sink their last piece you lose the board and three points.

16) If the striker does not leave both lines, you get three tries to break before losing your turn.

These are some important rules and regulation to be followed while playing carom.