Board games are known for their ability to connect people, and Carrom isn’t an exception. It has simple rules, but to master the game and win, you need experience, skill, and solid strategies, and hence irrespective of their age, people get drawn to it.
People of South and East Asia are nostalgic about Carrom, as they might have some lovely childhood memories associated with it. However, with technological advancement, you do not require equipment like board or carrom pieces; you can sign in to an online carrom app and start playing carrom games with other players.
As the game is widely popular, the rules and scoring system change from one region to another. However, the main focus stays on pocketing the carrom men. Want to know how unique the carrom games you are familiar with?
Here is a list of six variations of the Carrom game you have probably never heard of –
1. Point Carrom
The rules are simple. Hence it’s a favorite of children. In East Asia, this carrom variation has earned the players’ love. In this game, the players aim for the pocket and score one point for sending the black and white carrom men to the pockets. If you pocket the red queen, you get three points.
The player who has succeeded in pocketing the queen needs to pocket a puck in the next strike so that they can cover the queen. To win in this Carrom, you should secure a score of 21 faster than the other opponents. If all the players fail to do so, the player with the highest score is declared the winner.
2. Total Point Carrom
In India, Carrom has a different status. Whether it is a college dorm or office Common Room, the carrom game is there to unite everyone. Irrespective of their age and status.
Total Point Carrom is played on a physical board and is a recreational game with high fame in India. In Total Point Carrom, the players need to score points by pocketing coins – the black coin carries five points, the white gives 10 points, and the red queen helps you earn 50 points.
The next player gets the chance if a player fails to pocket a coin. To win this game, you need to score the highest points. For the next round, the person with the least score gives all the carrom men on the board, and the other players also match their scores by putting in an equal number of carrom men.
3. Family Point Carrom/ Simple Point Carrom
Though the fans of Family point carrom can be seen in different parts of Asia, its popularity in some regions of South Asia is unbeatable. In this variation of Carrom, the player focuses on sending the coin to one of the four pockets; the scoring system is different from the total point carrom; while the black carrom men give 5 points and white gives 10, the red queen brings you 25 scores.
However, after pocketing the queen, you must score another carrom man to earn the points of the queen. If you fail in your turn, the queen returns to the board.
4. Professional Carrom
In some countries like the UK and India, Professional carrom is extremely popular. There are different sets of rules for the professional carrom. A particular color is assigned to the players, and they can only send the puck of that color to the pocket.
Many online platforms allow the players to play this variation of carrom. Here are some rules for the professional carrom:
- In this game, the players can make 29 points, but you need to pocket the queen before the last puck. The player has already reached the score of 21. They cannot secure more points for covering the queen. Moreover, you must avoid putting the queen and the cover in a similar pocket.
- The winner scores one point for each opponent’s pucks on the board and three points in case they can cover the queen.
- There is no restriction on striking style for the players. Hence, you can choose the one you are skilled at. Plus, if you end up pocketing your striker, it will cost you a puck.
- If it takes you a single shot to pocket the queen and the assigned puck, then the queen is automatically covered.
- A player gets a penalty if they directly touch the last puck before the queen. There are some other penalties as well. Hence, it is better to understand the game rules and penalties for breaking them before you start playing.
5. Duboo
The Duboo game is different from the traditional carrom, not only in terms of rules but also in respect of the equipment. The Duboo game involves a carrom board more massive than the carrom boards used for other variations of the same game. The style of playing also differs to some extent; while in most other forms of carrom, the sticker is flicked, in the Duboo game, you need to slide the sticker.
6. Tokyu-Ban
This carrom version was introduced in the early 20th century in Japan. According to the name, it stands for throwing a ball board or fighting a ball board. In the Showa period, people used to indulge in playing the Tokyu ban, and even to date, it has successfully retained its existence in Hikone, Shiga.
Conclusion
Carrom is a widely played game, and different variations are popular in other regions of East and South Asia. The online gaming platforms have added carrom games for the players to enjoy the game with their friends and family anytime, anywhere. On most online carrom apps, you can play “professional carrom” and earn tempting rewards. As a game of strategies and skill, it allows you to compete with international players and show off your sharp mind and precise decision-making.
The best part is you can earn cash rewards, all while having fun with carrom games and reliving the nostalgia of your childhood.
Hello, I’m Kapil Kumar, a seasoned SEO expert and blogger at WinnersList.in. My mission is to spotlight exceptional individuals and organizations across various domains. Through curated lists, profiles, and inspiring stories, I aim to celebrate outstanding achievements and inspire the next generation of champions. Join me in this journey.