Carrom

Carrom (also known as Karrom) is a "strike and pocket" table game of Eastern origin similar to
billiards and table shuffleboard. It is found throughout the East under different names though most
non-eastern people know it by the East Asian name of Carroms (or Karrom). It is very popular in
Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and surrounding areas and in the Middle East as well.
In South Asia, many clubs and cafs hold regular tournaments. Carrom is very commonly played by
families, including the children, and at social functions. Different standards and rules exist in
different areas.

Origins
The game of carrom is believed to have originated from the Indian subcontinent. Although no
concrete evidence is available, it is believed that carrom was invented by the Indian Maharajas. One
Carrom Board with its surface made of glass is still available in one of the palaces in Patiala, India.
[1] It became very popular among the masses after World War I. State level competitions were
being held in different States of India during early part of the nineteenth century. Serious carrom
tournaments may have begun in Sri Lanka in 1935 but by 1958, both India and Sri Lanka had
formed official federations of carrom clubs, sponsoring tournaments and awarding prizes.[2]
The International Carrom Federation[3][4] (ICF) was formed in the year 1988 in the city of
Chennai, India. The formal rules for the Indian version of the game were published in 1988. In the
same year the ICF officially codified the rules. The game has been very popular throughout South
Asia, mainly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. It has gained some popularity in
Europe and the United States where it has been introduced by the Indian diaspora. The United
States Carrom Association reports on competitions in the U.S. and Canada and has a player ranking
list as of the last tournament.[5]
The board and pieces can be bought in Europe or the U.S. and are usually imported from India. The
most expensive boards are made to a high standard with high quality wood and decorations though
cheaper boards are available. Some of the largest exporters of carrom boards are in India, e.g.
Precise, Surco, Syndicate Sports and Paul Traders.[6][7][8][9][10]

Objective of play
The objective of play is to use a striker disk with a flick of the finger to make contact with and
move lighter object disks called carrom men, which are thus propelled into one of four corner
pockets.
The aim of the game is to pot (or pocket) one's nine carrom men and the Queen before your
opponent.

Equipment
The game is usually played on a board made of plywood. The dimensions of the standardised game
is a 29 inches (74 cm) square playing surface on a board of lacquered plywood. The edges of the
playing surface are bounded by bumpers of wood, and the underside of each pocket is covered by a
net which is 10 cm2 or larger.[11]