Pronunciation: [kˈaɹɒm] (IPA) 
Carrom is a popular board game played in South Asia and some other parts of the world. The spelling of "Carrom" is pronounced as /ˈkærəm/. This IPA phonetic transcription shows that the word starts with the sound of "k" followed by the "a" sound, and then the "r" sound. The word ends with the "m" sound. The spelling of "Carrom" may vary in different regions as it is transliterated from various languages like Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic.
Carrom is a board game that originated in the Indian subcontinent and is typically played by two or four players. The game is played on a square board with pockets in each corner and is similar in concept to billiards or pool but played with fingers instead of cues. The main objective of carrom is to use a striker to hit and pocket the carrommen (playing pieces) into the pockets.
The board consists of a smooth wooden surface with circular markings at the corners, known as bases, which represent the starting position for the carrommen. Each player takes turns flicking their striker in an attempt to hit their own carrommen into the corner pockets or knockout their opponent's carrommen. The player who successfully pockets all of their carrommen and the queen, a special larger piece with a red center, first wins the game.
Carrom requires skill, focus, and precision to accurately aim and strike the carrommen. Players must carefully calculate angles, rebounds, and potential collisions to execute successful shots. Various techniques, such as flicking the striker with different degrees of force or applying spin to the striker, can be utilized for better control over the carrommen's movements.
Carrom is widely enjoyed as a recreational game and has also gained competitive recognition at both national and international levels. It not only presents an opportunity for friendly competition but also promotes strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, and concentration skills.
The word "carrom" is derived from the Hindi word "karom" or "karrom", which itself is an adaptation of the French word "carreau". The French term "carreau" refers to a square tile or square diamond shape, which is analogous to the carrom board's playing surface. The game of carrom originated in the Indian subcontinent and was influenced by various East Asian board games. Over time, the name "carrom" became commonly used to describe the game worldwide.
