Read onlineCarrom Techniques and Skills
Arun Deshpande's complete guide to carrom — from grips, breaks, and basic strokes through defence, offence, and advanced board positions.
Table of contents
14 ChaptersThe Mantra
Arun Deshpande's note to the reader — the spirit in which to approach carrom, and why your relationship with the game matters more than any single match.
2 Chapter 2Equipment
Every part of the carrom set — board, frames, pockets, base lines, circles, coins, striker, stand, lamp.
3 Chapter 3Basic Rules
How a game is set up and scored, the rules around the Queen, fouls, and Dues.
4 Chapter 4Grips
Natural grip, scissor grip, locking grip, middle finger flat grip — when and how to use each one.
5 Chapter 5The Break
Breaking from the left base circle, breaking from near the base circle — the opening shot of every board.
6 Chapter 6Strokes: Cut, Double, Press
Shower of Strokes, Straight Cut, Cross Cut, Double, Cross Double, and the Press.
7 Chapter 7Touch, Shot, Pair, Cannon
Touch and its variations, Shot, Pair, and Cannon — strokes that set up multiple coins at once.
8 Chapter 8Glance, Brush, Rebound, Hook
Glance, Double Glance, Brush, Rebound, Simple Rebound, Langda Rebound, and Hook.
9 Chapter 9Pockets and Turning
Third Pocket, Cross Third Pocket, Turning, Second Pocket, and Cross Second Pocket.
10 Chapter 10Slip, Striker Slip, Double Touch
Slip, Striker Slip, and Double Touch — fine-control strokes used when coins overlap.
11 Chapter 11Bomb and Force
The Bomb (Bum) and Force strokes — powerful shots used to break up clusters and reset the board.
12 Chapter 12Defence and Offence
Direct and Indirect Defence, offence, and lessons from Arun's experience in Madras.
13 Chapter 13Mental Qualities of a Player
Concentration, Observation, the danger of over-confidence, Stability/Patience, Open Mind, and Practice.
14 Chapter 14Advanced Stroke Positions
Walkthroughs of advanced board positions — figures 32 through 47 — and how Arun plays them.