Carrom Pool is a multiplayer game from Miniclip based on carrom, a tabletop game popular in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other parts of the world. In the real game, players flick a striker across a square wooden board to pocket small discs, called coins, into the four corner holes. Carrom Pool turns this into a phone game with simple drag-and-release controls. You aim by dragging, set the power and release to strike. The game has a friendly look and is easy to learn, even for people who have never touched a real board.

Game modes

The main mode follows the traditional carrom rules, where each player is assigned a colour of coin and tries to pocket all of theirs, and the red queen has special rules. Free Style is a simplified mode where you can pocket coins of either colour, which makes it quick and casual. Disc Pool is a variation that plays like pool using discs and a different scoring approach. You can play against friends, against random opponents or sometimes in practice settings, depending on the version.

How to play well

Think about angles. A direct shot is easier, but bank shots off the walls can reach coins that are blocked. Use lighter power for control and stronger power to break up clusters. When you are early in the game, try to break the cluster in a way that leaves easy shots for you. Pay attention to the queen, since pocketing it only counts if you follow it by pocketing one of your own coins. Do not strike so hard that the striker flies into a pocket, which can cost you a turn.

Customisation and progression

You can collect and upgrade different strikers and coin designs, which can slightly change the feel of play. You earn in-game coins and chests by winning matches, and progress through arenas that match you with other players of similar level. The game uses virtual currency, and some items are obtained through random rewards. If this type of mechanic is a concern for you or your family, review the in-game shop and decide whether you want to buy anything.

Ads, purchases and online play

The game is free to download and includes optional purchases. Matches require an internet connection for online play, and the store listing says offline play is also supported. Because you meet other players online, review the safety and chat settings, and teach children not to share personal information. Make sure you download only the official app, since fake copies exist.

Who it suits

It suits casual players who like skill-based aiming games and anyone who grew up playing carrom. It is good for short sessions and for friendly competition. Players who dislike random reward systems or ads may find parts of it irritating.