If you play Carrom Pool, you already know this feeling:
you line up a shot, it looks perfect… and somehow the disc misses the pocket or hits something unexpected. Meanwhile, your opponent pulls off a crazy angle shot that looks impossible. You start thinking, “How did they do that?”
The truth is simple.
Those are trick shots, and they are not luck. They are based on logic, angles, timing, and control. Once you understand how these shots actually work, you can start playing smarter instead of just harder.
This guide explains Carrom Pool trick shots in a very simple and practical way. You will learn why these shots work, when to use them, and how you can practice them step by step.
Why Trick Shots Matter in Carrom Pool
Most beginners focus only on direct shots. That works at lower levels, but as you move up, direct shots are often blocked. Discs stick together. Pockets get crowded. One mistake can cost you the match.
Trick shots help you because:
- You can pot discs even when the path is blocked
- You can clear difficult board positions
- You can control where the striker and discs stop
- You can surprise your opponent and keep pressure on them
Once you start using trick shots, you feel more confident. The game stops feeling random and starts feeling predictable.
Understanding the Basic Physics (Without Complicated Science)
Before learning individual trick shots, you need to understand three simple ideas:
Angle Works Like a Mirror
When a disc hits the side of the board, it reflects at a similar angle.
If you imagine the side as a mirror, the disc will “bounce” in a predictable direction.
Power Changes Everything
- Low power = more control, less bounce
- Medium power = best for most trick shots
- High power = risky but useful for break shots
Too much power ruins accuracy. Too little power makes the disc stop short.
Where You Hit the Disc Matters
Hitting the center pushes the disc straight.
Hitting the edge sends it at an angle.
Most trick shots are edge hits, not center hits.
Once you keep these three things in mind, trick shots start making sense.
Carrom Pool Trick Shots You Must Know
1. The Cut Shot (Most Important Trick Shot)
The cut shot is the foundation of all trick shots.
What It Is
You hit the disc slightly from the side instead of straight on, causing it to travel diagonally into the pocket.
When You Use It
- When the disc is not directly in front of a pocket
- When another disc blocks a straight shot
- When the disc is near the side of the board
How You Play It
- Aim at the edge of the disc, not the center
- Use medium power
- Focus more on angle than strength
Common Mistake
You aim too close to the center, turning it into a weak straight shot.
If you master cut shots, your win rate will improve immediately.
2. The Bank Shot (Using the Board Walls)
What It Is
You intentionally bounce the disc off the side of the board so it reaches the pocket.
Why It Works
The board edges act like guides. When the direct path is blocked, the wall becomes your helper.
When You Use It
- When discs block the direct line to the pocket
- When the disc is close to the side wall
- When you want to avoid hitting another disc
How You Play It
- Aim at the board edge first, not the pocket
- Visualize the rebound angle
- Use controlled power (never full power)
Pro Tip
Imagine the pocket reflected outside the board. Aim for that imaginary spot.
3. The Double Touch Shot
What It Is
You hit one disc, and that disc hits another disc, which then gets potted.
When You Use It
- When the target disc is hidden behind another
- When two discs are close together
- When you want to pot without risking striker position
Why It’s Powerful
You pot a disc without directly touching it. This gives you options when the board is crowded.
How You Play It
- Hit the first disc gently
- Focus on direction, not force
- Practice timing and spacing
This shot separates casual players from smart players.
4. The Break Shot (Opening Shot Trick)
What It Is
The first shot of the game aimed at potting discs immediately.
Why It Matters
A good break shot can give you:
- Early control
- Free turns
- Psychological advantage
How You Play It
- Aim slightly off-center
- Use strong but controlled power
- Watch how discs spread after impact
Common Mistake
Using full power blindly. That often sends discs everywhere but the pocket.
A consistent break shot is more valuable than a flashy one.
5. The Side Shot (Sharp Angle Control)
What It Is
A sharp-angle shot where the disc travels sideways into a pocket.
When You Use It
- When the disc is near the pocket but misaligned
- When space is tight
- When you want precision over power
How You Play It
- Use low to medium power
- Focus on striker placement
- Keep your hand steady
Side shots look simple but require patience.
6. The Back Pot (Soft Touch Shot)
What It Is
A soft shot where the disc slightly pulls back before falling into the pocket.
When You Use It
- When the disc is right near the pocket
- When strong shots might overshoot
- When you want minimal board disturbance
How You Play It
- Very low power
- Precise striker alignment
- Calm execution
This shot teaches you control and discipline.
7. The Queen Setup Trick
What It Is
Not a direct pot, but a strategic trick to prepare the queen.
Why It’s Important
Potting the queen without a cover disc is useless. Smart players plan two moves ahead.
How You Use It
- Clear a nearby disc first
- Place the queen in an easy position
- Avoid risky queen attempts
Winning often depends on queen management, not just pots.
8. Striker Control: The Hidden Trick Shot
Most players focus only on potting discs. Smart players also control where the striker stops.
Why This Matters
- Avoid fouls
- Set up the next shot
- Block your opponent
How You Control the Striker
- Reduce power after potting
- Avoid straight-line rebounds
- Think about the striker’s final position
A perfect pot with bad striker placement can still lose you the game.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid
- Playing every shot with high power
- Ignoring board angles
- Rushing shots under pressure
- Focusing only on pots, not positioning
Carrom Pool rewards patience more than aggression.
How You Can Practice Trick Shots Effectively
You do not need hours of daily practice. You need focused practice.
Try this:
- Practice one trick shot type per session
- Repeat the same shot from different positions
- Watch how small angle changes affect results
- Learn from misses, not just wins
Slow improvement is real improvement.
Final Thoughts: Play Smart, Not Angry
Carrom Pool can feel frustrating when shots fail. But once you understand trick shots, the game becomes calmer and more enjoyable. You stop blaming luck and start trusting logic.
When you lose, you learn. When you win, you know why.