Fatta

Finger Billiards Couronpone Carrom

Kairam or Carrom is known by many names around the world, including carrum, Couronpone, carum, karam, karom, karum, fatta (Punjabi) and finger billiards. The game was started in India

Carrom (or Kairam) is a popular tabletop game played with small discs on a smooth board.

The objective is to score points by sinking your assigned color discs (carrom men) into the corner pockets using a striker. The player/team with the highest points wins.

Origin and History

In many parts of Odisha, Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and coastal India, the game was traditionally called Kairam, Kairam Board, or Kairam Chaura.

Kairam is regarded as a South Asian indoor game that likely originated in India, though exact origins are not documented.

It developed as part of courtyard and indoor leisure games in Indian households. Early forms of the game were played on smooth wooden planks or polished floors.

Odisha Kairam / Kairam Board

Played with wooden coins, larger striker

Bengal Kairam or Kairam-chaura Often slower style, chalked board Maharashtra Carrom

Fast play, polished surface Tamil Nadu and Kerala Pallanguzhi + Carrom culture

The Setup

Equipment needed

A modern carrom board

The Play

Decide Turns

Toss a coin to decide who goes first.

The first player chooses their color (black or white).

Striking

Place the striker on the base line of your side.

Flick the striker using your fingers to hit the carrom men.

Pocketing Pieces

Players must pocket their chosen color (black or white).

The red queen can be pocketed by any player but must be ‘covered’ by pocketing one of your own pieces immediately afterward.

Rules

Foul

Pocketing the striker incurs a penalty (return a pocketed piece to the board). Pocketing the opponent’s pieces benefits them.

Queen: Must be covered; otherwise, it’s returned to the center.

Turn Rotation

A player’s turn continues until they fail to pocket a piece. If no piece is pocketed, the turn passes to the next player.

Scoring

Strategies

Carrom is often associated with community and family gatherings. It is a staple in homes, schools, clubs, and community centers across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan.

It has evolved into a recreational activity and a competitive sport.

Benefits of playing Kairam

Physical & Motor Skill Benefits

Improves hand–eye coordination: Aims, flicks, and controlled striking make the eyes and hand work together precisely.

Refines fine motor skills: Finger strength and smooth movement improve through repeated striker shots.

Develops finger control and muscle memory: Players learn exact pressure control while striking.