What Is Carrom?
Carrom is a tabletop board game, most likely originating in India, played by flicking discs into the corner pockets of the board. While the modern iterations of the game can be traced back to the nineteenth century, little is known about its original inception. It has remained popular in India and across the world since the early twentieth century, inspiring many different international clubs dedicated to the game.
Join us as we take a deeper dive into the history and sport of Carrom.
- A Brief History of Carrom
- Carrom or Carroms?
- Carrom Gameplay
- The Cultural Significance of Carrom
- Carrom in the Digital Age
- Experience the Original U.S. Carrom Board
A Brief History of Carrom
While most believe that Carrom developed in India, carrom.co.uk notes that we don’t have a written record of its history, and some even tie its origins to Portugal or Burma. The All India Carrom Federation (AICF) lends some credence to the popular idea that Carrom was first played by the maharajas in their palaces, but notes that there’s no concrete evidence for its actual origins. As other sources point out, it’s likely that the game we know is an adaptation of a street game that could have been played for centuries but was never documented. The lack of clarity around its inception partly reflects the fact that it shares many features in common with other games across the world.
Despite confusion around the game's origins, we do have some insights into the etymology (history) of the word itself:
“The word “carrom” probably originates in Timor in south east Asia. From there, it travelled with the Portuguese who found it to be a convenient description for the Malabar coast of India.” -carrom.co.uk
"Carrom” had entered the English lexicon by the late 1700s in connection with billiards. The word in English (likely inspired by the Portuguese word “carambola”) means “strike” or “rebound.” A family of cue sports known as “Carrom Billiards” also likely originated in France around the same time, and true to its name, the game is played by “carroming” or rebounding one’s own cue ball off the other balls in play.
According to the AICF, state-level Carrom tournaments emerged in India in the latter part of the nineteenth century, and the game became particularly popular there after World War I. The AICF was formed in 1956 to oversee gameplay across the country. Today, the AICF claims “30 State Associations and 17 Institutions” as part of its membership. The International Carrom Federation was formed in 1988, and it organizes both a world championship and a world cup in Carrom. The World Carrom Championship is held every four years, and the last tournament occurred in 2022.
While Carrom has always been beloved in India, The Hindu recently reported that the game is enjoying a recent resurgence, in part due to its popularity during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Contemporary Carrom Board made in the U.S. by the Carrom Company
Carrom in the United States
By the 1890s, Carrom had also made its way to the United States when Henry L. Haskell invented and patented the first U.S. Carrom Game Board, which was produced in Ludington, Michigan. The original company, Ludington Novelty Works, merged with another organization in 1901 to become the Carrom-Archarena Co., which produced Carrom boards, billiard tables, and a line of wooden furniture.
In 1912, Carrom-Archarena Co. became the Carrom Company after industrialist J.S. Stearns purchased an interest and became the President. While it has gone through many subsequent changes and iterations in its more than 100 year history, the modern branding you see featured on our website today appeared in 2024.
The U.S. Carrom Association was founded in 1995 with the goal of promoting gameplay across the country. Over the years, it has organized international tournaments, standardized play in the U.S., and helped develop software to manage Carrom tournaments across the world.
Two vintage Carrom logos vs. the current brand
Distinct Features of the U.S. Carrom Board
The U.S. Carrom Board has some unique characteristics that distinguish it from its Asian cousins. In the U.S., the Carrom "men" are replaced by red and green rings, and the Carrom "queen" is a black ring. The piece used to shoot is referred to as a "shooting ring" rather than a striker. These differences in equipment exist in part because of the U.S. Carrom board's most unique feature - it's dual-sided play surface.
On the back of our carrom boards, you will find a crokinole board, another shooting-style game that is thought to have originated in Canada. Crokinole variations contribute to the U.S. boards versatility, which can be used to play over 85 different games. You can find rules for all of them on our website.
Carrom or Carroms?
You may hear people say “Carrom” and “Carroms” in connection with the game, and both usages are technically correct. In India, Sri Lanka, and other countries where Carrom is a household game, "Carroms" is often used interchangeably with "Carrom.” In English, you’re more likely to hear the singular “Carrom.” Over time, both terms have become widely accepted in casual usage.
Carrom Gameplay
The primary objective of Carrom is to pocket all of your assigned carrom coins or rings (in our game, either red or green) before your opponent does. Our Carrom rule book features 9 different variations of traditional Carrom, plus a total of 85 different ways to play on the carrom board (including other shooting-style games).
The Carrom Board
The Carrom board is a square wooden playing surface, typically measuring around 27-29 inches on each side. The board is bordered by wooden edges, which help keep the pieces in play. The surface is smooth and polished to allow the carrom men to glide effortlessly when struck.
At each corner of the board is a circular pocket, slightly larger than the carrom rings, where the pieces are aimed and pocketed. The board is often decorated with intricate designs or patterns, adding to its aesthetic appeal. A baseline is marked on each side of the board, from which players take their shots.
Carrom Rings (aka Carrom Men)
The carrom rings, also called carrom men or carrom coins, are traditionally small, circular wooden disks. In our version, they are colorful red, green, and black rings. The black ring corresponds to the traditonal red ring in Carroms, often called the queen. The other rings belong to each player, and up to 12 can be in play depending on the style of Carrom game you choose.
The carrom rings are arranged in a specific pattern at the center of the board at the start of the game, with the black ring (or Queen) placed at the center.
Carrom Rings and Other Playing Pieces for a U.S. Carrom Board
The Shooting Ring
The shooting ring, also called the striker, is a larger, heavier disk used to flick and hit the carrom rings. Players use the shooting ring to shoot the carrom rings into the pockets. The shooting ring must be placed on the baseline and flicked with a finger, usually the index or middle finger, to propel it forward.
Powder
To reduce friction and ensure smooth movement, a fine powder can be sprinkled on the board. This allows the carrom rings and striker to glide easily across the surface.
Traditional Carrom Board with Powder
The Cultural Significance of Carrom
Above all else, Carrom is a cultural phenomenon, especially in South Asia, where it has been a beloved pastime for generations. In countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, it’s common to see families and friends gathered around a Carrom board during festivals, holidays, or casual get-togethers. In many households, Carrom boards are treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations, and i’s not uncommon for grandparents to teach their grandchildren how to play.
Carrom has also found its way into movies, television shows, and literature, often symbolizing simplicity, strategy, or family unity. For example, in Indian cinema, scenes of characters playing Carrom are used to depict everyday life or to highlight moments of bonding. The game’s presence in popular culture has helped cement its status as an iconic activity.
Beyond casual play, Carrom has a thriving competitive scene across the world, and particularly in South Asia, where local tournaments are held regularly. The game is taken seriously by enthusiasts who hone their skills to compete at national and international levels.
Carrom in the Digital Age
As technology has advanced, Carrom has successfully made the leap from physical boards to digital platforms, cementing its relevance in the modern era. The game’s transition into the digital space has introduced it to new audiences and provided innovative ways to play. Mobile apps like Carrom Pool, Carrom Friends, and Carrom King allow players to compete against strangers from around the world, adding a global dimension to the game.
Experience the Original U.S. Carrom Board
Ready to bring the timeless fun of Carrom into your home? Look no further than the Carrom Company, the original U.S. manufacturer of authentic Carrom boards. Known for our exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials, Carrom Company boards are designed to deliver the perfect blend of precision and durability.
Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, our boards offer an unparalleled playing experience that stays true to the game’s rich heritage. Explore our collection today and discover why Carrom Company has been a trusted name in family entertainment for generations.
Resources
History of Carrom by Carrom UK
Discover the Ancient Game of Carrom by Uber Games
The Hindu Report on Carrom on Facebook
International Carrom Federation by Wikipedia
