Carrom Board Training
The game of carrom is relatively unknown within the United States. Combining elements of pool, air hockey and marbles and using pieces similar to checkers, carrom has more popularity abroad, especially in the Indian subcontinent, and is rapidly making inroads in North America.
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History
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According to the U.S. Carrom Association, the history of the game of carrom is shrouded in obscurity. Books on the origins of games put carrom's birthplace in India, Britain, Ethiopia, Egypt and Burma, alternately. Over the past century, the game has increased in popularity in the Indian subcontinent and wherever large groups of South Asian immigrants reside.
Competitions
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The first serious carrom competition was staged in 1935 in Sri Lanka. Two decades later, sporting clubs had arisen in both Sri Lanka and India. International interest grew, and by the 1980s, European club teams were holding tournaments of their own. The 2010 Carrom World Cup is scheduled for late September in Richmond, Virginia.
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Features
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Carrom is played on a 29-inch square smooth wooden platform with four corner pockets. The game uses nine white and nine black pieces, as well as a red queen and a heavier, "striker" token. Using the striker, players try to sink their nine pieces, as well as the queen, before their opponent. In form, carrom resembles pool. The game is differentiated by several complex features and rules.
Learning
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Learning the game of carrom can take a while, and mastering it even longer. Take time to review game rules and tactics before playing. You can find descriptions of these tactics in the Resources section of this article. Then get out there and practice. Several websites, such as the U.S. Carrom Association or the International Carrom Federation, list upcoming events. Find a club in your area and attend their competitions and practice meetings.
Mastery
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Once you have the basics of carrom solidified, start to try for more complex strategies. Like pool, a lot depends on the break in this game. Start aiming for more difficult pieces to make the game go quicker and rack up points earlier. Attempt to create difficult shots for your opponent to slow his progress. Instead of playing the regular singles carrom, you may want to try doubles to learn from your partner and pick up new skills.
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References
Resources
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