Different Types Of Carrom Board Games Around the World

Carrom is one of the most popular indoor games, and it is known by people of all ages and countries. This tabletop game has many varieties, each adding its spin to the fundamental principles, and its origins may be traced back to the Indian subcontinent. 

Carrom is a skill, strategy, and precision game that has always captivated players, whether playing casual games in their living rooms or competing in professional tournaments with tight rules. 

In this article, let us describe the various types of Carrom games that exist worldwide and how the people who are enthusiastic about this game are amazed.

7 Trendy Types of Carrom Games 

Carrom is developing into several interesting and trendy versions. Although the classic version is still the most popular, several new carrom variations have appeared with their difficulties, guidelines, and gameplay experiences. The most popular carrom board game types played all over the world are listed below:

1. Standard Carrom Board

The most played version of a carrom board worldwide is one of the traditional carrom board type games. Features include the standard 29-inch square carrom board size with four compartments, nine black, nine white, and one red striker piece called the “Queen.” This variation, which follows the fundamentals of carrom, is frequently used for friendly and informal games. Beginners and families looking for an easy yet enjoyable experience would find it suitable. However, it would be best to know the carrom striker rules to win the game. 

Basic Rules:

• Two to four players can play.
• Players take turns to pocket their assigned color of coins.
• The player who pockets the Queen must cover it with one of their own coins before the end of the game.
• The player who pockets all their coins first wins.

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2. Professional Carrom Board

This professional carrom board type is made for competitive play and tournaments; it is a little bigger and more polished than the regular board. Because of the board’s smoother surface, strikes will be made more quickly and precisely. Players must follow the official guidelines established by the International Carrom Federation (ICF) as the Carrom rules are more stringent. Serious players looking to improve their abilities in a competitive setting favour this variety. 

Basic Rules:

• Played between two players or teams in official tournaments.
• Players must follow ICF rules, including fouls, time limits, and penalty points.
• The game is played in sets, with each player aiming to win multiple rounds to become the overall winner.

3. Total Point Carrom

One common type of carrom is the Total Point Carrom, where the goal is to collect points from each pocketed coin. The Queen receives five points, the white coins two, and the black coins one. The player with the highest score wins. The game goes on until all the coins are pocketed. To maximize their score, players must carefully plan their shots in this game version, making it more strategic. 

Basic Rules:

• Players take turns to pocket coins, with each coin having different point values.
• The game ends when all the coins are pocketed.
• The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

4. Family Point Carrom

A more laid-back variation of Total Point Carrom, Family Point Carrom is ideal for get-togethers and informal play. Although the regulations are more lenient in allowing younger players or those with less gaming experience, the point system is still in place. This carrom board type is ideal for family game nights since it places more of an emphasis on enjoyment and pleasure than it does on strictly adhering to the competitive rules. 

Basic Rules:

• The game follows a similar scoring system to Total Point Carrom.
• Rules can be adapted based on the skill levels of players, making it more family-friendly.
• The player with the highest score after all coins are pocketed is the winner.

5. Point Carrom

In a variation called Point Carrom, points are only awarded for particular actions, which makes scoring easier. Players get points, for example, if they pocket the Queen but not the other coins. The player with the greatest score after the game is usually proclaimed the winner. The game often finishes after a predetermined number of rounds. It is one of those different types of carrom board games that offers an excellent choice for faster games with fewer players because of its simplified strategy. 

Basic Rules:

• Points are only awarded for specific actions, such as pocketing the Queen.
• The game ends after a fixed number of rounds, with the player who scores the most points declared the winner.

6. Dubro

A lesser-known yet interesting form of carrom that originated in Europe is called Dubro. This version has a slightly larger, heavier disc instead of the striker, and the board has smaller pockets. The game becomes even more challenging since players must exert greater force to pocket the coins. Dubro is one of those types of carrom that is difficult and entertaining, although the rules are still the same as in the regular game due to its distinctive setup. 

Basic Rules:

• Players aim to pocket the coins using the larger, heavier striker.
• The rules are similar to the standard game, but the added difficulty of using a heavier striker makes it more challenging.
• The player who pockets all their coins first wins.

7. Tokyu-Ban

When it comes to types of carrom board games in Japan, Tokyu-Ban can’t be ignored. The board is often smaller, and the striker is lighter than other varieties. In Tokyu-Ban, players must carefully control their strokes to prevent overshooting; therefore, accuracy and elegance are key. The distinctive gameplay features of this version, which is well-liked in Japan, make it a compelling choice for carrom fans looking for something new. 

Basic Rules:

• Players must control their strikes carefully to avoid overshooting.
• The game is played similarly to the standard version, but the smaller board and lighter pieces make it more focused on accuracy.
• The winner is the player who pockets all their coins first.

List of Different Types of Carrom Games Around the World

Carrom is an all-time favorite tabletop game played all over the world. However, the basic rule is to flick the striker to pocket coins on the board, the names are different according to different parts of the world. 

Let’s have a look at the carrom board game types played globally. 

1. Indian Carrom (International Rules)

• Origin: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
• Overview: Played widely across the Indian subcontinent with standardized rules by the International Carrom Federation (ICF). The game is played with white, black, and red discs (Queen). The main aim is to pocket all your coins before your opponent using carrom trick shots, with additional points for pocketing the Queen.

2. Family Carrom (House Rules)

• Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh
• Overview: Played casually within families with relaxed or modified rules. The game may have fewer restrictions regarding fouls, strokes, and timing, and the Queen might not carry as much importance as in the international version.

3. Cut-Throat Carrom: South Asia

• Origin: South Asia.
• Overview: Unlike standard Carrom, Cut-Throat Carrom is a three-player version where each player tries to pocket the discs of the other two players while protecting their own. The game involves strategic defense and offense, making it more competitive and unpredictable.

4. Karom (Germany)

• Origin: Germany
• Overview: Known as “Karom” in Germany, this version uses the same board as Indian Carrom but often features more standardized and formalized competitions, similar to the international version of the game.

5. Fingerboard (United Kingdom)

• Origin: United Kingdom
• Overview: When it comes to different types of carrom games, Fingerboard is one of the most famous variations. A variant of Carrom where players use the back of their fingers to flick the striker. Fingerboard has slightly different rules from the traditional game, and sometimes the Queen is absent in the game setup.

6. American Carrom (USA)

• Origin: United States
• Overview: American Carrom boards are similar but have pockets that are larger and usually circular. The board might also come with additional rings or printed targets, and in some versions, cues similar to pool sticks are used to flick the striker instead of fingers.

7. Thai Carrom (Thailand)

• Origin: Thailand
• Overview: In Thailand, Carrom is popular but may be played with slightly different board sizes and discs. Rules are often flexible, and it is common for the game to be integrated into social and family gatherings.

8. Couronne (France, Sweden, Finland)

• Origin: France, Sweden, Finland
• Overview: Couronne is a similar disc-flicking game but is played on a different type of board with rings that serve as goals instead of pockets. It’s not strictly Carrom but is a close relative in terms of gameplay.

9. Duboo (Pakistan)

• Origin: Sindh, Pakistan
• Overview: Played with heavier wooden discs instead of the typical light plastic Carrom pieces, Duboo is a regional variant from the Sindh province. The rules are often more relaxed, and the game emphasizes strategy.

10. Canadian Carrom (Canada)

• Origin: Canada
• Overview: Canadian Carrom is quite similar to the traditional Indian Carrom but has some regional house rules that change aspects like scoring or the importance of the Queen.

11. Crokinole (Canada)

• Origin: Canada
• Overview: Though not exactly Carrom, Crokinole is a Canadian board game where players flick discs into a target area with rings. It is a popular game often confused with Carrom, but its objectives and rules are distinct.

12. Carrom Billiards (Hybrid)

• Origin: Hybrid (based on Carrom and Billiards)
• Overview: A unique mix between Carrom and billiards, using a Carrom board but with cues instead of fingers. It blends the strategic aspects of both games.

13. Ghatta (Nepal)

• Origin: Nepal
• Overview: A local variant of Carrom popular in the hill regions of Nepal. Rules can be slightly different, with less emphasis on specific fouls and more on casual play.

Each of these different types of carrom board variations retains the core concept of Carrom but introduces its own flair and cultural influence to make the game more locally enjoyable.

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FAQs – Types of Carrom Games