Like in Snooker, there are guidelines and restrictions to what you can do with your shot. Breaking these rules results in a foul, which gives a major advantage to your opponent. There's different ways you can foul, and the number one way to avoid fouling is to know what constitutes a foul - so let's get into it!
(If you are more of a visual learner, check out our video explanation here)
Snooker VS Carrooka: What's Different in Fouls?
The types of fouls in Snooker and Carrooka a very similar in nature - and, in both games, you cannot score points off a foul shot:
- Example 1: Your first shot you pocket a red piece (value = 1), and your second shot you call blue to pocket, and pocket pink instead. Pink is returned to its starting position, and you total a score of 1.
- Example 2: first shot you pocket a red (value = 1), second shot you call and pocket yellow (value = 2), third shot you pocket blue (value = 5) when you were suppose to pocket a red. Blue is returned to the board, and you score a total of 3.
The big difference is the consequence to a foul. In snooker, a foul is typically 4 points (unless the foul involves a high value ball). In Carrooka, however, a foul results in a bonus shot for your opponent.
On the opponents next turn, their turn does not end when they fail to pocket something. Instead, they get a second attempt. If they're successful on this second shot, they get to continue their turn.
- NOTE: A player can lose their bonus shot if they foul. Their turn ends immediately, and their opponent now gets a bonus.
Having a second attempt during your turn can be a major advantage, and not something you want your opponent to have. If you want to avoid giving your opponent an upperhand, here are all of the fouls you should be aware of.
Foul 1: Zero Contact
If you fail to hit anything on the board with the striker, it is a foul shot. This one is very straightforward!
Foul 2: Hitting the Wrong Piece First
Hitting the incorrect piece is considered a foul. This can occur a few ways:
- Red on: If you need to hit a red and hit any other piece first, it is a foul.
- Called Shot: If you call a specific colour and hit anything other than that piece first, it's a foul.
- Final Phase: Whatever piece needs to be pocketed next, needs to be the first piece you hit. Otherwise, it is a foul.
Foul 3: Pocketing the Wrong Piece
Pocketing the incorrect piece, regardless of whether you hit the right piece first or not, is considered a foul.
- Red "on": If you are supposed to pocket red, and pocket any other piece, this is a foul. The piece in question is returned to its starting position. Example: If you pocket a blue while red is "on", return the blue to the blue starting position.
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Called shot: If you call a piece to pocket, and anything else is pocketed, this is a foul shot
- Example 1: If you call blue, and pocket green, this is a foul. Return green to the board.
- Example 2: If you call blue, and pocket blue AND green, this is a foul. Return both to the board.
- Example 3: If you call blue, then pocket blue AND a red, this is a foul. The blue is returned to the board, BUT, the red stays in the pocket.
- Final Phase: Colours remain in the pocket once all the red have been sank, unless there is a foul. In this case, anything pocketed is returned to the board. This is exactly the same as examples 1 and 2 above.
Foul 4: Pocketing the Striker
Pocketing the striker at any point during the game is a foul. If the striker is pocketed, the opponent gets to place the striker anywhere they'd like on the break line, and they get the bonus shot.
Foul 5: Knocking Pieces off the Board
If any playing piece is knocked off the board, the shot is considered a foul. Here's what to do with each piece.
- Red Pieces: Red pieces knocked off the board are not returned to the board. They are placed in the pockets / off the board.
- Coloured Pieces: Any coulored piece knocked off the board is returned to the board in its appropriate starting position.
- Striker: The opponent gets to put the striker anywhere on the break line that they'd like.
Closing Remarks
As a beginner, you'll probably foul... a lot (I'm speaking from experience here). And, understanding the rules will help you get over this learning curve quickly, and to enjoying the game to its fullest. As you get better, you may even be able to set up situations where it's hard for your opponent not to foul!
If you'd like to have a video explanation on each of these, check out the video below (it should skip to the rules around fouls). And, if you don't have a carrooka board yet, check out our shop and start your carrooka journey today! As always, happy flicking.
