Once considered as a mere time-pass, Carrom is now being played at competitive level in an organised manner. The popularity of the game can be attributed to its simplicity and portability. However, game of carrom is as scientific as billiards.

Did you know? In many countries it is called 'finger billiards'.

It requires a thorough knowledge of angles, deftness of touch, keen sight and superlative control of nerves. It also requires skill and deep concentration.

Carrom is a board game that enjoys popularity across age. According to an estimate more than 15 million people play this game in India alone. However, the origins of Carrom are not exactly known. Some people are of the opinion that it was the invention of the Indian Maharajahs, while others think that Carrom may have been introduced by the British. Some books refer to Burma, Egypt and Ethiopia as possible sources of origin. So, nothing accurate can be said of the game's origin.

Nevertheless, today Carrom enjoys the reputation of being not just the regional pastime of the Indian subcontinent, but in other countries as well where South Asians have migrated.

Did you know? Serious carrom tournaments began in Sri Lanka in 1935. In 1958, both India and Sri Lanka formed official federations of Carrom clubs, sponsoring tournaments and awarding prizes. Rankings of statewide teams in India began in 1956 and the first matches between national teams viz: India v. Sri Lanka) occurred in the 1960s. Regional competitions have also taken place in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, and the Republic of the Maldives.

With interest in Eastern culture gaining poularity among young Europeans during the 60s, Carrom began appearing in homes and clubs. By 1 970s, commercial import from India had begun and tournaments were being held in Switzerland, Germany and Holland. International competitions were already underway in Europe by 1980 and today, thousands of serious Carrom players are spreading its popularity with boards now being manufactured in Germany, Switzerland, Holland, and Italy.

With the growth in popularity, a need was felt to have an international federation. The movement to form the International Carrom Federation gained momentum in the 1980s due to energetic promotion by Europeans and Asians alike.

Fundu fact The first Carrom Congress was held in 1988 and the first international tournament was held in 1989 with India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Germany, Switzerland & Holland competing for a silver cup. Undoubtedly, the most important event in unifying Carrom players around the world has been the codification of rules for tournament play by the ICF. Prior to the formation of the International Federation, players from various countries followed different rules, making international competition impossible. With the creation of the Laws of Carrom teams from all the Carrom-playing countries are now able to agree on rules and this is how International Standard Carrom was been born. With regulations covering the dimensions of the board and playing pieces as well.

In October, 1995, the first American team competed in an international tournament at the Second World Carrom Championships in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Indian team however swept all events: men's and women's singles, doubles and team competitions. Only one non-Asian made it as far as the quarterfinals, American team captain, Billy Stevens. The US doubles team, able to score only a single point against their Indian opponents, considered even that a major, moral victory.

The game

The game is played on a square, wooden game board (29 inches X 29 inches) with four, corner pockets and is played by flicking a "striker" at the object pieces, resembling black and white checkers. The goal is to sink your nine pieces, plus the red, "queen", in the pockets first, thereby collecting points. Though the geometry may be the same as pool, the physics and strategy are fascinatingly different.

The playing surface of an ICF, regulation board is extremely smooth, making it a touch game demanding a high degree of tactics. The frame is thick and hard, giving a strong rebound that provides additional fast action. And, the striker, which is always brought back to the "baseline" for the next shot, is about three times heavier than the object pieces. This greater mass permits a wide variety of "board management" techniques (the strategy of setting up future shots while disrupting your opponent's) and extremely complex plays.

How to Play Carrom

How to Play The Game: From the operational Angle, Carrom does not require elaborate preparation. A singles game can straightaway begin with two players, sitting opposite to each other. A spin of coin settles as to who should have the first hit. The Carromman should be arranged in a flat position, with the queen occupying center circle, and the rest of the Carromman so placed around the queen in the first row, keeping white & black Carromman alternately. All the Carromman, so placed, as above shall be arranged in a compact round, touching one another within the outer circle. The opener shall have white Carromman to strike, while his opponent sinks the black Carromman.

In a doubles game four persons comprising two teams, sit opposite to each other, occupying all the four sides. At the end of each board, the scores decide the winner with a point each for the Carromman and 3 points for the queen if already pocketed by him, The player who reaches 25 points first wins the game.

INTERNATIONAL STATUS

The game of carrom is international in character and status. It is played in more than 30 countries. This game is supervised and controlled at international level by the International Carrom Federation. At present National Federations of 15 countries viz. U.K., USA, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, France, Singapore, Bangladesh, Australia, Portugal and India are affiliated to the International Carrom Federation. The Asian Carrom Confederation was formed at Male', Maldives in 1995 with His Excellency, Maumoon Abul Gayoom, President of Republic of Maldives as its Patron-in-Chief.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

The International Carrom Federation has organised two World Championships at New Delhi during October 1991 and at Colombo (Sri Lanka) during October 1995. Apart from World Championships many international Tournaments have been organised in U.K., U.S.A., Germany, Switzerland, U.A.E., France, Maldives, Sri Lanka. Test Series between India and other countries like Sri Lanka, U.K., Germany and France are held on bilateral basis.

INDIANS RULE

The Indian players are the World Champions in all categories of this game. They have not only won both the World Championships but also all the international tournaments held so far.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The All India Carrom Federation organises National Championships at Senior, Junior (under 18 years of age) and Sub-junior (under 14 years of age) levels every year. Apart from this, it is organising All India Federation Cup, All India Invitation, All India Ranking, Zonal and Inter-Zonal Tournaments every year. The Federation has already completed 81 National Championships.

HEADQUARTERS

The All India Carrom Federation has its headquarters at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

RECOGNITION

Carrom is a game recognised by the Government of India and various State Governments. It is treated at par with other games. The Government of India is releasing grant-in-aid for various National Championships etc. to the Federation. Many Government offices and Public Sector Undertakings also recruit Carrom players under 'Sports Quota'.

ARJUNA AWARD

A. Maria Irudayam, two times World Champion, 8 times National Champion and winner of many international tournaments, was awarded the most prestigious ARJUNA AWARD for the year 1996 by His Excellency, K.R. Narayanan, President of India.