Inside Pocket vs Outside Pocket

Well many carrom players out there are aware of the existence of 2 types of carrom boards. Firstly, it's the OutPocket (OP) type where I first started playing carrom back in the early 80s. I've won many competitions back in school, workplace & church. Then in the late 90s as I was searching for international carrom, I came across the international community playing Inside Pocket (IP) carrom. Honestly, I felt it was silly since I've always been playing OP. But as I started playing IP and understanding the rules, it wasn't that bad at all. In fact there came a time when I totally gave up playing OP.

Now the question is, why did I gave up playing OP completely:

1. Disco powder used in OP is totally incontrollable for the striker. In fact once you place your striker on the board to strike, it starts moving.
2. Rules of the game is not fixed. Mostly when a competition is attended, players are briefed on the rules and it's mostly "house rules".
3. Stands are too high for a player to sit comfortable and play the game.
4. With the presence of disco on the board, a player's skills are not visible as the movement of the striker is determined by disco.
5. In fact when I requested to purchase some OP carrom boards from India, the manufacturer mentioned it's the board used by children/kids. Can you imagine some of them here are still playing kid's carrom. So basically they need to grow up and graduate into playing IP.

Why did I choose to seriously play only IP:

1. This is mode of carrom played worldwide. Accepted by the international carrom playing community. So it's best you play what everyone plays as it's recognized and sanctioned by the International Carrom Federation (ICF).
2. We have a law book by which every player abides by.
3. Given some time, everyone gets familiar with the rules.
4. A player has the opportunity to display his/her skills. For example, a player can break and finish a particular board/frame.
5. During international events in Asia, boric is used while potato flour is used across Europe and in Malaysia as well.
6. Usage of potato flour on the board allows better control of the striker.
7. By adopting international carrom, it has allowed me to represent my country in many international events. This has given me the opportunity to play amongst the world's best.

One should trying playing IP before making judgements that it's silly, etc. Recently I had a friend who purchased a carrom board from me. He admitted that he's an avid OP player and over the years have won competitions. But after trying his hands at playing IP, he's now my "disciple" and helping me to spread the news on playing the right carrom.

Once you start playing IP carrom, I can bet you'd give up playing OP for sure just like I did. Unfortunately there's a huge carrom playing community still playing "karom kampung" or kid's carrom which is the OP.

Shown below is 2 types of carrom boards:


Inside Pocket (ICF Approved)

Outside Pocket (Not Approved)

My wish is for all the OP playing community to move to playing IP. Then the standards of carrom can be elevated to a higher level. Get in touch with me if you want to know how.