The handbook
The rules of carrom
Seven sections and 21 rules, ordered the way you meet them at the board — from what the equipment must measure to how the final points are counted.
- 01ObjectivePocket all of your carrommen before your opponent does, and take the queen under the right conditions.The goal of the gameKeep striking while you scoreRead →
- 02EquipmentA regulation board, eighteen carrommen plus the queen, and a striker heavy enough to move them.BoardCarrommenStrikerBoard setupRead →
- 03GameplayWho goes first, where the striker may sit, and how long a turn lasts.BreakingStriking rulesTurnsRead →
- 04Queen RulesWhen the queen may be taken, and how covering it works.When the queen may be pocketedCovering the queenRead →
- 05Fouls and PenaltiesEvery foul in the official rules, with the penalty that follows it.Only the queen potted on the breakStriker touches only opponent carrommenStriking a carromman that touches your baselinePlaying the opponent’s last carrommanImproper striker placementRead →
- 06ScoringHow a finished board turns into points.Remaining carrommenThe queenRead →
- 07Setup and PositioningBoard height, seating, and the nets under the pockets.Board heightSeatingPocket netsRead →
In closing
Carrom combines skill, strategy, and precision, and following these rules ensures fair play whether casually or in official tournaments.