Carrom, also known as Karom or Carom, is a popular tabletop game that originated in India and is played by people all around the world. The game is played on a flat, rectangular board called a carrom board, which is usually made of wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). The board is surrounded by a raised border or frame, and there are four pockets located at the corners of the board.
The objective of the game is to use a small, disk-shaped striker to knock smaller wooden pieces, called carrom men or coins, into the pockets. Each player or team has their own set of colored carrom men, and the first player or team to successfully pocket all of their carrom men wins the game.
There are several variations of carrom, but the most common version is known as "international carrom." In this version, there are 19 carrom men, including a red one called the "queen," which is worth more points. The game is played by two players or two teams, and players take turns shooting the striker from the center of the board and trying to pocket their carrom men or the queen.
One of the unique aspects of carrom is the use of the "foul line," which is a line drawn on the board that players must stay behind while shooting. Players are also not allowed to touch the board with their hands or use their fingers to guide the striker, and they must use a flick of the wrist to shoot the striker.
In addition to the carrom board, players also need a striker, a set of carrom men, and a powder called "carrom powder," which is used to reduce friction and make the game more fluid. The game is played on a flat surface, and players can sit on the ground or use chairs to play.
Carrom is a fun, social game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to pass the time and bond with friends and family, and it can be played competitively or just for fun. If you're looking for a new tabletop game to try, consider giving carrom a shot!