Carrom Queen Rules Explained (How to Cover the Queen)
It's the most important piece on the board.
It's bright red, sits in the center of the action, and is worth more than any other coin. It's the Queen.
And it's the source of more arguments than any other piece in the game.
When can you pocket it? What happens after you do? What does it mean to "cover" it? A misunderstanding of the carrom queen rule can turn a winning game into a frustrating loss.
The red Queen is the most critical and misunderstood piece in carrom, and this page is dedicated to explaining every rule that governs her. Mastering the Queen is a key step, and our complete Play carrom guide shows you how this knowledge fits into an overall winning strategy. Let's ensure you never lose a game over a Queen-related mistake again.
This guide will make you an expert.
We will break down every single aspect of the Queen—from when you can legally touch it to the high-stakes pressure of covering it. By the time you're done here, you'll not only understand the rules, but you'll know how to use them to your strategic advantage.
The Golden Rule: When Can You Pocket the Queen?
This is the first and most important rule you must burn into your memory.
You are only allowed to pocket the Queen if you have already pocketed at least one of your own coins.
Let's be crystal clear:
- If you have zero of your coins pocketed and you sink the Queen, it is a foul.
- The Queen is returned to the center of the board.
- You must also pay a penalty by returning one of your pocketed coins (if any) to the board.
- Your turn ends immediately.
Key Takeaway: The Queen can never be the first piece you legally pocket in a game. You must "open your account" with one of your own coins first.
The Moment of Truth: Pocketing the Queen
So, you've pocketed one of your own coins, and now you see an opportunity. The Queen is sitting perfectly, lined up for an easy shot.
You take the shot... and she drops into the pocket.
Congratulations! But the game is not over. In fact, the most pressure-packed moment of your turn has just begun.
You now have to cover the Queen.
"Covering the Queen": The Make-or-Break Shot
This is where champions are made and where beginners crumble.
What it means: To "cover the Queen" means you must legally pocket one of your own coins on the very next shot after pocketing the Queen.
- Shot 1: You legally pocket the Queen. Your turn continues.
- Shot 2 (The Cover Shot): You now have one—and only one—shot to pocket one of your own coins.
There are two possible outcomes:
Scenario A: Success! (You Covered the Queen)
You take your cover shot, and one of your black or white coins drops into the pocket.
- Result: You have successfully covered the Queen. She is now secured by you for the rest of the board. You have fulfilled one of the two conditions for winning. Your turn continues because you pocketed a coin.
Scenario B: Failure! (You Failed to Cover)
You take your cover shot, and you miss. Or you commit a foul. Or you only pocket an opponent's coin.
- Result: The Queen is immediately taken out of the pocket by your opponent and placed back in the center of the board. Your turn ends. All your hard work was for nothing, and the Queen is back in play for anyone to take.
Strategic Insight: Never attempt to pocket the Queen unless you are highly confident you have an easy, guaranteed follow-up shot to cover it. Rushing to pocket the Queen without a plan is a classic rookie mistake.
Scoring the Queen: How Many Points Is It Worth?
The Queen provides a significant point bonus, which is why securing her is so critical.
- If the winner of a board successfully pocketed and covered the Queen, they receive three bonus points.
These points are added to the points for opponent coins left on the board. A maximum of 12 points (9 opponent coins + 3 for the Queen) can be scored in a single board.
Common FAQ & Edge Cases
The carrom Queen rules can get tricky. Let's clarify some common points of confusion.
What happens if I pocket my last coin and the Queen on the same shot?
This is legal and very stylish! If you have only one coin left and you sink it along with the Queen on the same shot, you fulfill both winning conditions simultaneously. You win the board instantly and earn the 3 bonus points for the Queen.
What happens if my opponent pockets all their coins, but I have the Queen?
You win! Your opponent cannot win the board until the Queen has been legally pocketed and covered. If they clear all their pieces but you have secured the Queen, you are declared the winner.
What if I pocket the Queen and my opponent's coin on the same shot?
This is legal. You pocket the Queen (your turn continues) and must still cover the Queen on your next shot by pocketing one of your own coins.
What if I pocket the Queen and my striker in the same shot?
This is a foul. The Queen returns to the center, you pay a coin penalty, and your turn ends. A disastrous outcome.
Your Path to Mastery Continues
You are now an expert on the most important piece in the game. You understand the Queen rule, how to cover the Queen, and the penalties involved.
This knowledge is a huge step up. Next, see how all the rules—for the break, for fouls, for the Queen—fit together on our main rules page:
The best way to truly grasp the pressure and thrill of the Queen is to experience it. Open the game, play a match, and focus on setting up that perfect pocket-and-cover sequence.
Welcome to a deeper, more strategic level of carrom.
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