The Best Carrom Boards UK in 2024
Carrom, also known as Caram, Carom or Karom, is a captivating tabletop game that has been enjoyed for centuries throughout India and South East Asia. Over the last century, its popularity has spread worldwide, captivating players of all ages. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of the finest Carrom boards available in the UK in 2024. First, we’ll introduce you to this lesser known but enthralling game of carrom below.
Contents
- How to Play Carrom Board
- How to Set Up a Carrom Board
- Rules of Carrom
- Where to Buy a Carrom Board
- Our Verdict of the Best Carrom Board
- Related Carrom Accessories
How to Play Carrom Board
Carrom is a delightful tabletop game that has been enjoyed by people worldwide for generations. Playing carrom requires skill, precision, and a good understanding of the rules. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:
- Setup: Place the carrom board on a flat surface. Each player sits on opposite sides of the board. Place the carrom men in the center circle, and position the striker at the base line.
- Objective: The objective of the game is to use the striker to pocket all your carrom men and the red queen (if playing with it) before your opponent.
- Turns: Players take turns to strike the striker using their finger. The player who pockets a carrom man continues to strike until they fail to pocket a carrom man or foul.
- Fouls: Common fouls include failing to pocket a carrom man, sinking the striker, or touching the line while striking.
- Winning: The player who successfully pockets all their carrom men and the red queen first wins the game.
How to Set Up a Carrom Board
Properly setting up a carrom board is essential for a fair and enjoyable game. Here’s how to do it:
- Smooth Surface: Ensure the playing surface of the carrom board is clean and smooth. Any irregularities can affect gameplay.
- Place the Carrom Men: Arrange the carrom men in the center circle of the board. Traditionally, they are set up in a specific pattern.
- Position the Striker: Place the striker at the base line, ready for the first strike.
- Apply Carrom Board Powder: Spread a thin layer of carrom board powder evenly on the playing surface. This helps reduce friction and ensures smooth movement of the carrom men and striker.
Carrom Board Rules
- Fouls: Players must avoid committing fouls, which can result in penalties. Common fouls include:
- Failing to pocket a carrom man or the red queen when attempting to do so.
- Sinking the striker or any opponent’s carrom men.
- Touching any carrom piece with any part of the body or clothing.
- Moving or disturbing any carrom piece while the game is in progress.
- Failing to strike the striker within the diagonal lines on the baseline.
- Turns: Players take turns to strike the striker, alternating between players after each turn. A player continues to strike as long as they successfully pocket a carrom man or the red queen.
- Queen’s Turn: If a player successfully pockets the red queen, they must pocket one of their carrom men on their next turn to retain the queen. Failure to do so results in the queen being returned to the center of the board.
- Victory: The game ends when one player successfully pockets all of their carrom men and the red queen, known as “covering the board.” The player who accomplishes this wins the game.
Where to Buy a Carrom Board
Finding the perfect carrom board can enhance your gaming experience. Here are some places where you can buy one:
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialized game stores often offer a wide selection of carrom boards to choose from.
- Local Sports Stores: Check out sports stores in your area. Some may carry carrom boards or be able to order one for you.
- Specialty Game Shops: Stores that specialize in board games and tabletop sports may have high-quality carrom boards available for purchase.
- Second hand Markets: Consider looking for second hand carrom boards at garage sales, flea markets, or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
- The carrom board price can typically range from £50 to £250 depending on quality.
Our choice of the best Carrom Boards
Crafted by Synco, the official brand of the 2016 Carrom World Championships, this board boasts a solid Indian Acacia Hardwood frame for swift rebounds. The 8mm thick, full-size European Birch Plywood playing surface, hand-polished for seamless coin glide, guarantees top-tier gameplay. This represents great value for money combined with a striking board that is sure to impress your fellow carrom-ers. See below for an at a glance pros and cons.
| PROS | THINGS TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|
| Stylish green surface stands out from other boards | Additional purchase required for coins and striker |
| Officially approved by All India Carrom Federation and ICF | |
| Full-size 33″ x 33″ board for authentic gameplay |
Emanating from India’s rich craftsmanship, the Championship Carrom Board by Synco is a testament to exquisite materials and meticulous artistry. Its wooden carrom men, acrylic striker, and accompanying fine powder, neatly stored in a nylon bag, showcase balanced elegance. Precision is paramount, as high-resolution playing marks, adhering to International Carrom Federation specifications, grace the surface. The 16mm English Ash plywood, painstakingly hand-polished, guarantees a remarkably smooth surface, adding finesse to every move. The Rosewood frame, accentuated by a black strip, takes rebounds to new heights, especially appealing to seasoned players. This set is an embodiment of tradition meeting innovation, promising an unparalleled carrom experience for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
| PROS | THINGS TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|
| Superior 16mm English Ash plywood surface | Relatively heavyweight (18kg) |
| Hand-polished surface for low friction | Not suitable for casual or beginners’ use |
| Rounded internal corners for reduced bounce-back |
The Uber Games Carrom set offers great value as the perfect entry-level board, complete with 11 white, 11 black, and 2 red coins, an acrylic striker carrom coin, 30g of powder, and a rules booklet. Crafted from 4mm thick polished mango wood with mango wood edges for better rebound, the board features a flat playing surface supported by slats and four netted pockets. Weighing 7 kg and measuring 33″ x 33″ with a 29″ by 29″ playing surface, it ensures a stable and enjoyable game. The set also includes a nylon bag for convenient storage of coins, powder, and rules booklet, making it perfect for endless hours of fun and family bonding. See below for an at a glance pros and cons
| PROS | THINGS TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|
| Exceptional Value – At under £100 with a respectable spec, this is an impressive carrom board | Weight: – Weighing 7 kg, the board may not be as portable compared to lighter alternatives, making it less suitable for travel or outdoor use. |
| High Quality Materials – Crafted from 4mm thick polished mango wood with mango wood edges, the board provides a sturdy and durable playing surface with excellent rebound. | Limited Playing Surface – With a playing surface of 29″ by 29″, the board might be smaller than some other Carrom sets, potentially affecting gameplay dynamics and strategies. |
| Complete Set – The set comes with 11 white, 11 black, and 2 red coins, an acrylic striker carrom coin, 30g of powder, and a rules booklet, ensuring everything you need for a complete gaming experience. |
This brand new Carrom Board measures 26” x 26” and comes with a striker and coins. The set offers exceptional quality with a smooth playing surface, ensuring a seamless flow of the carom counters. The package includes a carry bag for convenient storage and portability. However, it’s important to note that no carrom powder is included, which may need to be purchased separately.
| PROS | THINGS TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|
| The Carrom Board is in excellent condition, guaranteeing a fresh and unblemished gaming experience. | No Carrom Powder Included: The absence of carrom powder means you’ll need to purchase it separately for optimal gameplay. |
| With dimensions of 26” x 26”, this board is perfect for players looking for a compact and easily manageable setup. | Limited Player Capacity: This board is suitable for two to four players, which may not be ideal for larger groups or gatherings. |
| The package includes a striker and carrom coins, ensuring you have everything necessary to start playing right away. |
This brand new Synco Mango66 Carrom Board is an absolutely bargain at its current price. Originating in India, Carrom shares similarities with snooker, involving the skillful potting of Carrom men into corner pockets. Unlike cue-based games, players employ their fingers and a striker for precision. Ideal for newcomers and younger enthusiasts, the Mango66 Board features a smaller 59cm square playing surface, facilitating coin sinking. Its compact size ensures minimal storage requirements and easy portability, making it a perfect choice for gatherings and events
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Compact design for easy storage | Limited playing surface for experienced players |
| Officially made by Synco, a championship brand | Limited Player Capacity: This board is suitable for two to four players, which may not be ideal for larger groups or gatherings. |
| Ideal for new and young players |
Our Verdict
After thorough research and consideration, we believe that the Synco Carrom Board, available from Big Game Hunters, stands out as the best value for money option for carrom enthusiasts in the UK.
Standout Design: The Synco Carrom Board boasts a sophisticated design that sets it apart from other options on the market. Its attention to detail and aesthetically pleasing appearance make it a standout choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their gaming setup.
Premium Quality Finish: Crafted with precision and care, the Synco Carrom Board exudes quality from every angle. Its premium finish not only enhances the overall gaming experience but also ensures durability and longevity, making it a wise investment for both casual players and serious enthusiasts alike.
Exceptional Gameplay Experience: Beyond its visual appeal, the Synco Carrom Board delivers an exceptional gameplay experience. The smooth playing surface, coupled with precise craftsmanship, allows for precise shots and fluid movement of carrom men and striker, enhancing the enjoyment of every game.
Value for Money: Despite its premium features, the Synco Carrom Board offers excellent value for money. Its combination of quality construction, aesthetic appeal, and superior gameplay make it a must-have for any carrom lover seeking both performance and affordability.
In conclusion, the Synco Carrom Board from Big Game Hunters surpasses expectations on every front. Its blend of standout design, premium quality finish, and exceptional gameplay experience make it the ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking the best value for money in the UK carrom board market.
