Intro: Are you looking to bring the classic game of Carrom into your home? Whether you are a professional player looking for a tournament-grade board or a parent introducing your kids to the game, buying a carrom board in the USA can be confusing with so many options available online.
1. What is the official size of a professional carrom board?
If you want the real experience, size matters. The official playing area for a professional carrom board, as set by international federations, is 29 inches by 29 inches. While the outer frame can vary in width (adding to the total size), the internal playing surface must be exactly 29" square. Be careful of "junior" or "family" boards sold at big-box stores, which are often smaller and do not provide the authentic game experience.
2. Which is better: English Birch or Indian Plywood carrom boards?
This is the most common debate among players. English Birch is widely considered superior for professional play. It is softer, allowing for a smoother, faster glide for the striker, and it tends to have fewer grains or knots compared to Indian Plywood. While Indian Plywood boards are more affordable and great for beginners, serious players almost always prefer the consistency and longevity of English Birch, like the surfaces found on our premium Precise boards.
3. What does the ply thickness (12mm vs. 24mm) mean for gameplay?
The thickness of the plywood backing directly impacts the board's stability and "rebound" quality.
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12mm - 16mm: Good for casual home play. These are lighter and easier to move but may have a "hollow" sound.
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20mm - 24mm+: Tournament standard. Thicker wood prevents the board from warping over time and provides a solid, heavy base. This results in a better rebound (how well the coins bounce off the sides) and a truer trajectory.
4. Where can I buy authentic carrom boards in the USA with free shipping?
Finding authentic, imported boards in the US without paying exorbitant shipping fees is a challenge. Top Cricket Store specializes in authentic, imported carrom gear. We stock top-rated brands like Precise and Siscaa right here in our New Jersey warehouse, offering free shipping on most orders over $100 across the USA. You don’t have to wait for international shipping or worry about customs fees.
5. What are the best carrom board brands available in the US?
Quality varies significantly between brands. The most trusted brands used in world championships and available in the US include:
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Precise: Known for their "Bulldog" and "Elegant" series, favored for their smooth English Birch surfaces.
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Siscaa: Another heavyweight in the industry, famous for their "Champion" boards.
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Surco: A reliable brand that offers a good balance of quality and price. Avoid generic, unbranded boards, as they often use uneven plywood that warps within a few months.
6. How do I make my carrom board surface smooth again?
Friction is the enemy of carrom. To keep your board playing like new, you need to use the right powder. Boric Acid (often sold as specialized Carrom Powder) is the standard for reducing friction without damaging the wood. For an even faster glide, some pros use "Disco Powder" (microspheres), but this can be too fast for beginners. Never use household talcum powder or baby powder, as it can clog the wood grain and make the surface sticky over time.
7. What is the difference between a Champion and a Bulldog carrom board?
These are specific model names from top manufacturers.
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Bulldog (by Precise): These boards are famous for their robust, thick frames and premium English Birch ply. They are built like tanks and designed for serious tournaments.
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Champion (often by Siscaa or Surco): These are also professional-grade but might feature different frame designs or polish finishes. The main difference often comes down to the frame thickness and the specific grade of plywood used in that batch.
8. Do carrom boards come with coins and a striker?
Not always! This is a common frustration for buyers. High-end professional boards often include only the board itself because pros prefer to buy their own specialized strikers and coins separately. However, at Top Cricket Store, we clearly label our listings. Many of our family sets come complete, while our pro boards might require you to select your preferred high-performance striker and coin set from our accessories section.
9. How much does a good carrom board cost in the USA?
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Entry-Level ($80 - $200): 4mm-8mm ply. Good for kids, but the surface may be rough.
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Intermediate ($150 - $300): 12mm-16mm ply. Good polish and decent rebound.
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Professional ($300 - $700): 20mm-36mm+ English Birch. These are lifetime investments that offer perfect flatness and tournament-grade rebound.
10. How do I store a carrom board to prevent warping?
Wood is natural and reacts to humidity. To prevent your board from warping (bending):
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Store it flat: Never lean it against a wall for long periods, as gravity can bend the wood.
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Keep it dry: Avoid damp basements or hot attics.
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Use a cover: A padded carrom board cover protects the playing surface from dust, scratches, and moisture changes.
Ready to start playing? Check out our full collection of Professional Carrom Boards and accessories to find the perfect match for your game room.