Avoid These 7 Common Carrom Game Fouls and Penalties

Carrom is a tabletop board game that has been loved and played throughout India and Southeast Asia for centuries. There are several variations in the set of rules that are easy to comprehend but require a deep understanding. Therefore, it’s important to be careful towards these fouls in carrom while playing Carrom to avoid committing any fouls that result in a penalty and end of players’ turn. 

Fouls are the mistakes or violations of the game rule that give your opponent an advantage. To avoid these penalties, let’s talk about the seven most common carrom game fouls and what happens if you commit them. 

So, without taking much, let’s move on.

Introduction to Carrom Foul Rules

The violations of the carrom board foul rules that cause a disruption in the game or provide a player with a one-sided advantage are known as fouls. While some fouls are unintentional, others may be deliberate. They have consequences that could be the difference between winning and losing. The majority of fouls result in the player losing their turn. Still, some may also have additional consequences, such as the player’s pieces being returned to the board or the opponent getting more opportunities to pocket their coins. 

Let’s examine players’ frequent carrom board foul and how they impact the match’s outcome. 

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7 Common Fouls in Carrom

To avoid any penalties and win the game, check out this carrom fouls list that helps you outplay your opponent easily:

1. Touch and Go

This is one of the most frequent fouls in carrom, especially for beginners. “Touch and go” occurs when a player touches the striker or any piece on the board with their fingers, palms, or any other part of their body before making the official strike. The striker must only be flicked with a single finger and nothing else should interfere with the board pieces before the shot. This is one of the most important carrom rules that ensures all moves are intentional and fair, preventing accidental movement of pieces.
Consequence: If a “touch and go” foul occurs, the player forfeits their turn, and the opponent is awarded one penalty point. Additionally, the touched piece is replaced in its original position.

2. Off the Board

When a coin or the striker goes off the board during a shot, it is a violation of the carrom board foul rules. The Carrom’s goal is to pocket pieces while keeping them on the board. Hence, it’s against the striker rules if the striker or any other pieces stray out of bounds. Most players commit this error when they strike the coins too hard or incorrectly estimate the angle. To avoid this foul, you must control the force of your shots and need to improve the aim in carrom.
Consequence: When this foul occurs, the player loses their turn, and any piece that left the board is returned to the center of the carrom board, thus restoring the balance of play.

3. Double Shots

The term “double shots” describes hitting the striker more than once before it stops completely. Players in the carrom must wait for the striker to stop completely before trying to make another shot. Some carrom players may flick the striker while it’s still in motion out of excitement or annoyance, which results in a double-shot foul. This foul is frequently committed in fast-paced games where players rush to make their moves.
Consequence: The result of this foul is losing your turn, and any coin potted during that invalid shot is placed back on the board.

4. Pocketing Opponent’s Piece

In carrom, players should concentrate on pocketing their coins (black or white), but occasionally, in the heat of the moment, they may unintentionally pocket an opponent’s coin. Even though it could seem like a small mistake, this is regarded as the violation of carrom foul rules because it offers your opponent an unfair advantage. Aiming your shots precisely and being aware of your opponent’s piece and coin positions is critical. 

Besides pocketing the carrom men, it’s important to know queen rules while pocketing the queen or princess coin.
Consequence: The opponent gets to keep the pocketed coins and earns points from it, while the player who committed the foul loses their turn.

5. Invalid Shot

When the carrom striker is positioned improperly or made from an improper spot on the board, it is considered an invalid shot. According to carrom half circle foul rules, the striker must always be positioned behind the baseline, and the shot must be taken with a good flick. A player’s shot is deemed illegal if they violate this regulation by taking it from the wrong position or in the wrong way.
Consequence: A player loses their turn and gives their opponent a penalty point when they commit this foul. Coins that were pocketed during this foul are also brought back to the board. 

6. Time Violation

There is usually a time limit of thirty to sixty seconds for each shot in competitive carrom games. A player breaks the time rule if they take too long to make their move. In carrom, the ability to manage time is essential. If players take too long, it not only throws off the game’s flow but also offers them an unfair edge because it allows them more time to plan.
Consequence: Exceeding the time limit results in the player forfeiting their turn, and the opponent is given a free shot, giving them a valuable opportunity to pocket coins without any immediate threat.

7. Unfair Play

Any intentional action to trick or divert the opponent or obtain an unfair advantage is called unfair play. This can entail intentionally shifting pieces with the hand, striking the striker unauthorizedly, or talking or making excessive noise to divert the opponent’s attention. This is against the carrom foul rules and has major repercussions, particularly in competitive environments.

Consequence: Depending on the mistake’s seriousness, there are several consequences for unfair play. They can vary from forfeiting turns or points to, in severe circumstances, being eliminated from the game altogether. It’s critical to always uphold the rules of fair competition and preserve the integrity of the game. 

However, fouls are not only applicable to carrom, board games like Ludo cash also have some rules and regulations that need to be followed to win the game.

FAQ – Fouls in Carrom