Carom

Carom is a cue sport that is played on a billiard table without pockets. The game is also known as carom billiards, and it involves striking a cue ball to hit two object balls in succession. The term "carom" is derived from the word "carambola," which means a shot in which the cue ball hits two object balls in succession.

History

Carom billiards has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It originated in France and quickly spread throughout Europe and North America. The game evolved from earlier forms of billiards and has since developed into various disciplines, including three-cushion billiards, straight rail, and balkline.

Equipment

The equipment used in carom billiards includes:

• A billiard table without pockets, typically measuring 10 feet by 5 feet.
• Three balls: one cue ball and two object balls.
• A cue stick used to strike the cue ball.

Gameplay

The objective of carom billiards is to score points by making caroms. A carom is achieved when the cue ball strikes both object balls in a single shot. The game can be played in various formats, including:

• Straight rail: Players score points by making caroms without any additional requirements.
• Balkline: The table is divided into regions, and players must make caroms while adhering to specific rules about ball placement.
• Three-cushion billiards: Players must make the cue ball contact at least three cushions before hitting the second object ball.

Scoring

Points are awarded for each successful carom. The number of points required to win a game varies depending on the format and level of play. In professional matches, players often compete to reach a predetermined number of points.

Notable Players

Some of the most notable players in the history of carom billiards include:

• Raymond Ceulemans: A Belgian player known for his dominance in three-cushion billiards.
• Torbjörn Blomdahl: A Swedish player who has won multiple world championships.
• Sang Lee: A South Korean player who was a prominent figure in the sport.

Related Pages

• Billiards
• Cue sports
• Three-cushion billiards
• Straight rail
• Balkline
• Raymond Ceulemans
• Torbjörn Blomdahl
• Sang Lee