Discover the Popular Types of Carrom Games to Play

Published: 27 Apr 2025

Carrom is a game enjoyed by many worldwide, with different variations to suit various preferences. In this guide, we explore the most popular types of Carrom games and their unique rules.”

Whether you’re a casual player or aiming for competitive play, Carrom offers various game types to enjoy. Discover the different versions of this classic game and how to play them.

Table of Content

Discover the Popular Types of Carrom Games

What is Carrom?

Carrom is a fun indoor board game played on a square wooden board where players use a striker to flick coins into pockets at each corner of the board. The objective is to pot all your designated coins (white or black) before your opponent. The red coin, or “queen,” carries extra points and must be potted with a cover shot. The game is known for its blend of skill and strategy, making it popular for both casual play and competitive tournaments.

Key Points:

Played on a square wooden board.

Coins are flicked using a striker.

Objective: pot all your coins first.

The red coin (queen) earns extra points.

Requires a cover shot for the queen.

Can be played by 2 or 4 players (singles or doubles).

A game of skill, precision, and strategy.

Popular in South Asia and worldwide.

Traditional Carrom

Traditional Carrom is the classic version of the game, widely recognized and played worldwide. In this version, players use a striker to pocket their pieces (either white or black) into one of the four corner pockets on the board. The game includes a red queen, which must be pocketed and then “covered” with one of your own pieces for extra points. The aim is to pocket all your pieces before your opponent does, while following specific rules to ensure fair play. How Many Types of Games Are There?

Key Points:

Classic version played globally.

Players pocket white or black pieces into corner pockets.

The red queen must be pocketed and covered.

Objective: Pocket all your pieces before the opponent.

Requires precision and strategy.

Freestyle Carrom

Freestyle Carrom is an informal and flexible version of the traditional game. Unlike the classic rules, this variation allows players to set their own rules, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Whether it’s changing the number of pieces, adding time limits for each shot, or introducing custom challenges, Freestyle Carrom lets players get creative and experiment with the game. This version is ideal for casual play, allowing friends and family to enjoy a less competitive but highly engaging experience.

Why Play Freestyle Carrom?

Flexibility: Players can make up their own rules, making each game unique.

Casual Fun: It’s perfect for a relaxed, low-pressure gaming session.

Creative Challenges: You can add special rules, like shot limits or custom goals, to mix things up.

Great for Groups: A fantastic option for family gatherings or casual game nights with friends.

Example:

If you want to keep things light-hearted and fun, Freestyle Carrom is the way to go. You can change the rules as you play, making every game a new adventure!

Coin Carrom

In Coin Carrom, the classic Carrom game gets a fresh twist by replacing traditional Carrom pieces with coins, each carrying different point values. Instead of aiming to pocket regular black and white pieces, players focus on collecting the coins to score points. This version introduces a layer of strategy, as players must decide which coins to pocket first based on their value and the current game situation. What is a Game Mod?

How It Works:

Coins Over Pieces: Instead of the usual Carrom men, you pocket coins of various values.

Score-Based Strategy: Coins have different point values, adding a new dimension to the game.

Tactical Play: Players must plan which coins to pocket first to maximize their score.

Why Try Coin Carrom?

Enhanced Strategy: The need to prioritize high-value coins adds a new challenge.

Competitive Fun: It’s perfect for players who enjoy thinking ahead and making calculated moves.

Engaging for All Skill Levels: Suitable for both casual and competitive players who want to up the stakes in their game.

Example:

If you’re looking for a Carrom variation that tests your strategy and planning, Coin Carrom is a perfect choice. Pocketing high-value coins requires skill and sharp decision-making!

Carrom Pool

Carrom Pool is a hybrid version of Carrom that combines elements of both Carrom and billiards (pool). In this variation, players aim to pocket the Carrom pieces into pockets placed around the board, similar to how pool is played. It’s a game of precision and angles, where skillful shots are key to winning. Carrom Pool adds an extra level of complexity by requiring players to focus not only on pocketing pieces but also on the angles and positioning of their striker.

How It Works:

Pocketing Pieces Like Pool: Players try to pocket Carrom pieces into the pockets placed around the board.

Use of Angles: Much like billiards, mastering angles and shot precision is essential to winning.

Striker Control: Players must control the striker’s movement to pocket pieces while avoiding fouls.

Why Try Carrom Pool?

Pool-Like Challenge: For fans of billiards, this version brings a similar challenge with a Carrom twist.

Skill and Precision: It tests your ability to make accurate shots and control the ball.

Tactical Gameplay: Every shot requires planning and positioning, making it a great strategic game.

Example:

Carrom Pool is perfect if you enjoy billiards and want to try something similar with a Carrom-style twist. It’s all about angles, precision, and strategy, offering a unique challenge for seasoned players.”

Double Carrom

Played with two teams of two players.

Each team aims to pocket all their pieces.

Teammates alternate turns flicking the striker.

Requires teamwork and communication.

Players can block opponent’s shots.

Queen must be pocketed and covered.

Focus on strategy and positioning.

Fouls give extra turns to the opponent.

Competitive and fun for four players.

Ideal for family or friendly matches.

Increased challenge with team dynamics.

More complex than singles play.

Requires both individual and team skill.

Can be played in sets or rounds.

Great for group gameplay.

Circular Carrom

Overview:

Circular Carrom is played on a round board, unlike the traditional square setup. This variation adds a unique challenge by requiring players to adjust to the circular shape of the board.

Objective:

The main goal is still to pocket all your pieces before the opponent, but the circular board and the pockets placed along the circumference require different strategies and angles.

Rules:

Players must carefully adjust their shots to account for the curved surface of the board. Understanding angles becomes essential for making accurate shots and positioning.

Example:

In Circular Carrom, the game is played on a round board, and pockets are placed along the circumference. Players must adjust their shots to account for the curved surface, adding a unique challenge to the game.”

Championship or Tournament Carrom

Overview:

Championship or Tournament Carrom is the competitive version, where players follow strict official rules and guidelines. This format is for those who wish to compete at a high level.

Objective:

In tournaments, the goal is to play with precision, following a well-established set of rules, often in a series of rounds to determine the winner.

Rules:

Tournaments follow official guidelines that govern everything from timing to fouls. Professional players participate in regional or international events, often using advanced strategies to secure victory.

Example:

Championship or Tournament Carrom follows a strict set of rules. Advanced players often participate in regional or international tournaments where the game is played at a competitive level, with each move calculated carefully.

Conclusion

Carrom offers a wide range of exciting variations, from the classic traditional version to creative and competitive styles. Whether you prefer casual play with Freestyle Carrom, the strategic depth of Coin Carrom, or the precision of Championship Carrom, there’s something for everyone. Try out different versions, and discover which one becomes your favorite. So gather your friends, pick a version, and start playing today!

Carrom Games Quiz

What is the primary objective in Traditional Carrom?
A) Pocketing only the queen
B) Pocketing all of your pieces before your opponent
C) Pocketing the striker
D) Making the opponent pocket all their pieces
In Freestyle Carrom, what can players modify?
A) The board size
B) The color of the pieces
C) The rules of the game
D) The number of players
Which Carrom variation is played on a round board?
A) Double Carrom
B) Circular Carrom
C) Coin Carrom
D) Carrom Pool
What is unique about Coin Carrom compared to Traditional Carrom?
A) It uses regular Carrom pieces
B) It involves pocketing coins with different values
C) It’s always played with two players
D) There are no rules in Coin Carrom
What is the key feature of Championship Carrom?
A) It has no time limits
B) It follows strict, official rules
C) Players can create their own rules
D) It’s played on a circular board

How is Freestyle Carrom different from Traditional Carrom?

Freestyle Carrom allows players to modify the rules, making it a more casual and creative version. Traditional Carrom, on the other hand, has a fixed set of rules where the goal is to pocket all your pieces before the opponent.

Can I play Carrom Pool without knowing billiards?

Yes! Carrom Pool combines elements of billiards, but you don’t need to be an expert in billiards to enjoy it. The game focuses on pocketing pieces using angles and precision, much like billiards but with the Carrom pieces.