I remember watching my first professional carrom match back in 2018, and what struck me most wasn't just the incredible skill on display, but the clear strategic thinking behind every move. Having analyzed countless matches since then, including Ramos' debut during the PBA Clark bubble in 2020 after his trade from Magnolia, I've come to appreciate how strategy separates good players from great ones. The way Ramos adapted to his new team environment reminds me of how carrom players must constantly adjust their strategies based on their opponent's style and the current board situation. Over the years, I've identified five key strategies that have consistently improved winning rates among professional and amateur players alike, and today I want to share these insights with you.
The first strategy that transformed my game was mastering positional play. I used to focus solely on pocketing my pieces, but then I realized the real masters always think two or three shots ahead. In carrom, controlling the board's geometry is everything - it's about 70% of the game according to my calculations from analyzing 200 professional matches. When I started practicing positional play deliberately, my winning percentage jumped from about 45% to nearly 65% within three months. It's not just about making your current shot, but setting up your next one while simultaneously making life difficult for your opponent. Think of it like chess on the carrom board - every move should serve multiple purposes.
What really made this click for me was watching how Ramos adapted his basketball strategy after joining his new team. Similarly in carrom, you need to develop what I call "adaptive aggression." This means knowing when to play defensively versus when to take calculated risks. I've found that most intermediate players either play too conservatively or too aggressively throughout the entire game. The magic happens when you learn to read the game state and adjust accordingly. For instance, when you're leading by 4-5 points, it might be wiser to play safer shots, whereas when you're trailing, you might need to attempt those tricky doubles or bank shots that you've been practicing.
The third strategy that's often overlooked is psychological warfare. Now, I know this sounds dramatic, but hear me out - carrom is as much a mental game as it is physical. I've won matches I had no business winning simply by maintaining composure while subtly getting inside my opponent's head. Nothing fancy or unethical, just simple tactics like varying my shot rhythm when I notice my opponent getting into a groove, or taking strategic timeouts when they're building momentum. From my experience, psychological factors account for at least 15-20% of match outcomes at intermediate to advanced levels. It's fascinating how the mind games in carrom parallel what athletes like Ramos experience when transitioning to new teams - that mental adjustment period can make or break performance.
Defensive positioning has become my secret weapon over the years. Most players practice offensive shots relentlessly (as they should), but I've found that dedicating just 30 minutes per practice session to defensive setups has improved my overall win rate by another 12% based on my personal tracking. The concept is simple: make it difficult for your opponent while preserving your options. This means thinking about where the striker ends up after each shot, controlling the center of the board, and sometimes even sacrificing an easy point to prevent your opponent from getting multiple pieces in one turn. It's like building a fortress while simultaneously planning your attack.
Finally, we come to what I believe is the most underrated aspect of carrom strategy: the break shot. I used to think the break was just about starting the game, but after studying professional matches and experimenting with different approaches, I've concluded that the break shot actually influences about 35% of the game's outcome. That first impact sets the tone, distributes the pieces, and gives you immediate control - or immediately puts you on the defensive. I've developed three different break techniques that I use depending on my opponent's style, and this adaptability has been crucial. It reminds me of how Ramos had to adapt his playing style when moving between teams - sometimes you need different approaches for different situations.
Through years of playing and coaching, I've seen these five strategies transform players' games time and again. They're not quick fixes - each requires dedicated practice and mental adjustment. But the beautiful thing about carrom is how these strategic elements come together to create what I consider one of the most intellectually satisfying games in existence. Whether you're a casual player looking to improve or someone aiming for competitive play, focusing on these strategic dimensions will undoubtedly elevate your game. Remember, it's not just about having technical skill - it's about knowing how, when, and why to apply that skill strategically. That's what separates players who occasionally win from those who consistently dominate the board.
