Everything you need to know about carom billiards

Carom billiards, also referred to as “Carambole billiards” is considered one of the most difficult versions of the game. It requires additional skills and a good knowledge of the rules. Having originated from France, now it is played in many countries around the world, and this is not surprising: the game has been developing for almost 600 years. What else should you know about this stunning game?

Equipment

The game is played on a table without holes, the size of the table should be 2.84 x 1.42 meters (± 5 mm). The basis of such a table is slate, the thickness of which should not be less than 45 mm. A surface for playing is limited by the boards with height of 37 mm (±1 mm), which maximum width is 12,5 cm (±1 cm), their mat color should match the color of the cloth.

Special materials for upholstery of billiard tables began to be used from the XV century. Today, most of the billiard tables are upholstered with cloth made of natural worsted wool, dyed in green. Such a covering is chosen to provide less resistance to billiard balls. This color has been used since the 16th century: according to one version, it was chosen to imitate playing on grass. However, there is another reason: green is considered the most soothing color among others, so it is easier to play long matches.

To play billiards, you need balls. Over the long history of the game, they have been made from many different components. In today’s games, balls are made of phenol-aldehyde polymers or other resilient plastics. They range in diameter from 61 to 61.5 mm and weigh from 205 to 220 grams. A set consists of three balls: a white bit, a white bit with black or red dots, and a red ball, which is considered the aiming ball.

Unlike other equipment, the cue for the game of carambole can be any in composition and size. Therefore, there are no strict requirements to the cue, and each participant chooses the most convenient variant for himself/herself.

General rules

The rules of most types of carambole do not differ too much from each other.

Each of them has some general points in common. The game starts with placing the red ball on the back mark, while the opponent’s cue ball is on the front. At the same time the cue ball is on the front line not further than 15 cm from the front mark. When performing the first strike, it is necessary to achieve the touch of the red ball with the cue ball. With each subsequent strike, the cue can be sent in the direction of any ball. During the wagering, it is necessary that after hitting the bit against the ball there is a touch of the board with one of the shells.

The cue ball is placed by the player at the front mark if it has fallen from the table. If the desired mark is occupied, the cue ball can be put on the mark in the center or behind. In case of simultaneous departure from the table of the cue ball and the aiming ball, first put the cue ball.

If the cue ball is located close to the aiming ball, a player can place contacting balls as follows: the red one stands on the back marker, the player’s own cue ball – on the front, the opponent places his own on the central marker.

Varieties of carambole

There are quite a few variations of this game, so everyone can find a version to their liking. Here are a few popular types of carambole.

Single-handed carambole. The task of a billiard player is to score the required number of points before the opponent does. If a mistake is made, a point is deducted from the billiard player’s score. In case of a successful hit, the pool player can continue his approach.

Three-sided carambole. The purpose of the three-sided carambole is similar to the one-sided carambole. However, if in the one-sided carambole it is enough to touch one side of the table, then in this version the cue ball must make contact with at least three sides and then two aiming balls. In addition, it is possible to touch the boards in a different order.

Artistic Carambol. This variant of the game is considered to be one of the most difficult versions of carambole. It requires the billiard player to strike in such a way that a special sequence is obtained. With each strike, the position in which the balls are exposed changes. Sometimes not all pieces may be placed on the table.

History of the game

According to some reports, this type of billiards became popular in Europe thanks to King Louis XI. This French king bought a billiard table at the end of the XV century. At the same time, the first officially recorded mention of a carom billiard with three balls dates back to 1775. The first tables without holes appeared in the XIX century.

With the development and popularization of carambole, the right to play this game was given to women. Thus, even in high society, carambole found crowned admirers, such as Mary Stuart and Empress Anna Ioannovna.

Nowadays, this type of billiards is recognized in European countries where it is widespread. The Netherlands, France, Greece, Italy, Denmark are the regions where this game is very much loved. Most often, carambole competitions are held under the supervision of various federations associated with billiards. For example, in France, it is dealt with by La Fédération française de billard.

Another important European federation can be called The Confédération Européenne de Billard. It was created in 1923, as well as the World Billiard Union, which has a wider regional coverage. In addition to the fact that there are various organizations, since 1986, world championships have been held on artistic carambole, which confirms its wide distribution.

All in all, carom billiard is a widespread game that is popular all over the world.