Quick answer: Carom billiards is played on a table with no pockets, using three balls: two cue balls and one red object ball. Each player has their own cue ball. You score a point, called a carom, when your cue ball hits both of the other balls on one shot. If you score, you keep shooting. In the popular game of three cushion, your cue ball must also touch at least three rails before it hits the second ball. The first player to reach the agreed number of points wins.
Carom billiards is the classic game of “billiards” in much of the world. It takes great skill, but the basic idea is easy to learn.
Pool vs Carom Billiards
| Pool | Carom billiards | |
|---|---|---|
| Pockets | Six | None |
| Balls | Cue ball plus many object balls | Three balls |
| How you score | Pocket balls | Hit both other balls with your cue ball |
For more on the difference, read difference between pool and billiards.
The Equipment
- A carom table. It has no pockets. Many three cushion tables are about 10 feet long. See pool table sizes for how sizes compare.
- Three balls. Usually one white, one yellow (or a white with a dot), and one red.
- Cues. Carom cues are often a bit shorter with a thicker tip than pool cues.
Basic Rules
- Each player picks a cue ball, white or yellow.
- Players lag or flip a coin to see who shoots first.
- On each shot you may only strike your own cue ball.
- To score, your cue ball must hit both other balls.
- If you score, you shoot again. If you miss, your turn ends.
- Fouls, like hitting the wrong cue ball, end your turn.
- Play to a set number of points.
Exact starting spots and foul rules vary by game and by rule set, so check the rules where you play.
The Main Carom Games
Straight Rail
This is the simplest game. Hit both other balls with your cue ball in any way. Many beginners start here to learn how balls move.
Balkline
The table is split into boxes with lines. Players can only score a limited number of points while both object balls sit in the same box. This rule stops players from keeping the balls trapped in one spot.
One Cushion
Your cue ball must touch at least one rail before it hits the second ball.
Three Cushion
The most famous carom game. Your cue ball must touch at least three rails before it contacts the second object ball. It is hard, and every point takes careful planning, so it is a great test of skill.
How to Aim a Carom Shot
- Think about the cue ball path, not just the object ball. You are steering the cue ball into the second ball.
- Use speed and spin. English, or side spin, changes how the cue ball comes off the rail.
- Learn the diamonds. Many players use diamond systems on the rails to plan three cushion shots.
Beginner Tips
- Start with straight rail to learn angles.
- Shoot softly so the balls stay near each other.
- Watch how your cue ball moves after each rail.
- Practice simple position, like you would in straight pool rules games.
Want another game with English roots? Try how to play english billiards, which mixes pocketing and caroms.
The Bottom Line
Carom billiards uses a pocketless table and three balls. You score by making your cue ball hit both other balls on one shot. Start with straight rail, then move up to one cushion and the famous three cushion game, where your cue ball must hit three rails before the second ball.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many balls are used in carom billiards?
Three. Two cue balls, one for each player, and one red object ball.
How do you score in carom billiards?
You score a point when your cue ball hits both of the other balls on one shot.
What is three cushion billiards?
It is a carom game where your cue ball must touch at least three rails before hitting the second ball.
Does a carom table have pockets?
No. Carom tables have no pockets.