Carrooka

Designed by: Jack Furnival

Carrooka is a wonderful piece of bespoke engineering that also happens to be a fun game.

Inspired by the traditional Indian game Carrom, Carrooka allows you to play a tabletop flicking version of both snooker and pool. The rules for each are the same, but the methodology is different: instead of balls there are discs, and instead of a large rectangle you have a 65-80cm circle, happily built into it’s own Lazy Susan so when you turn arrives you can rotate the table to the orientation you want. Apart from a couple of rules around the ‘cue ball’ lying in unreachable places, and the curved cushion offering the possibility for some very different kind of shots, if you know pool/snooker, you know Carrooka.

 

Sam says

Great fun, as long as you're reasonably matched opponents. Two good players will enjoy a tactical battle; two bad ones can laugh their way through a slightly more chaotic undertaking. It's really a wonderful design that brings often-inaccessible sports - especially to youngsters - to the home. It isn't cheap: board and shipping is going to set you back something headed towards £200 at time of writing. But a lot of board games these days are £80 and upwards, so if you foresee this getting played a lot over the years, it could be the better investment. And it doesn't look bad hung on a wall between plays.

The guru's verdict

  • Take That!

    Take That!

    The same as in the original games - you can be snookered, but it's not the game's main focus.

  • Fidget Factor!

    Fidget Factor!

    Low to moderate, depending on whether you're playing a friend or Ronnie O'Sullivan

  • Brain Burn!

    Brain Burn!

    Low!

  • Again Again!

    Again Again!

    If you enjoy one visit, it seems likely you'll enjoy many