Snooker Rules Rules of Snooker Type of Game: International or "English" snooker is the most widely played form of snooker around the world. It is generally played on 6'x12' English billiard tables, with cushions that are more narrow than on pocket billiard tables and which curve smoothly into the pocket openings. 5 x 10 and snooker tables of even smaller playing dimensions may be used for the game. On a 6 x 12 snooker (English billiard) table the playing area within the cushion faces shall measure 11' 8.5" x 5' 10" with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/-0.5". The height of the table is measured from the floor to the top of the cushion rail, and the height shall measure 34" with an allowable variance of +/-0.5". If you like playing snooker on your computer, you can also try casino gaming online for free or real money. Sites like provide online casino games, guides and reviews of best online casinos.

Players: 2 Balls Used: Set of Snooker balls: fifteen object balls that are not numbered and are solid red (called reds), six object balls of other colors that are not numbered (called colors) and a cue ball (called the white ball). Point values for object balls: red-1, yellow-2, green-3, brown-4, blue-5, pink-6, black-7. In International Snooker the balls used are 2-1/16" diameter. The Rack: Play begins with the balls placed as in the diagram above. The pink is spotted on the Pyramid Spot. The apex ball of the triangle of reds is racked as close as possible to the pink without touching it. Baulk-line and Baulk: A straight line drawn 29" from the face of the bottom cushion and parallel to it is called the Baulk-line and the intervening space termed the Baulk. The Half Circle: The Half Circle is a semi-circle described in Baulk with its center at the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11.5".

When the striker has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle he may place the base of the cue ball anywhere on the line or within the Half Circle, and may use his hand or any part of his cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball--as long as it is judged he is not attempting to play a stroke. Object of the Game: To score a greater number of points than opponent. Scoring: Points are scored in two ways: players are awarded points for fouls by the opponent (see Penalties For Fouls below), and by legally potting reds or colors. Each legally potted red ball has a point value of one; each legally potted color ball has a point value as indicated (Balls Used above). A frame ends when all balls have been potted, following the Rules of Play; if, however, only the black (7) ball is left on the table, the frame ends with the first score or foul.

If the players' scores are equal after that scoring, the black is spotted on its original position and the layers lag or draw lots for the choice of playing at, or assigning opponent to play at, the black ball with the cue ball in hand within the Half Circle, first score or foul then ends the frame. Opening Break: Players lag or draw lots for choice of break in the opening frame. In a match format the players alternate the break in subsequent frames. Starting player has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle. He must cause the cue ball to contact a red ball. It is not necessary to send a ball to a rail or into a pocket. Failure to meet this requirement is a foul (see Penalties For Fouls) A foul is scored and--with all fouls--the incoming player has a choice of (1) accepting the table and becoming the striker, or (2) requiring the offender to break again. Rules of Play 1. A legally potted ball entitles the striker to continue at the table until he fails to legally pot a ball. 2. On all shots, the striker must comply with the appropriate requirements of Rules of Play 5 and 6.

It is not necessary to cause the cue ball or an object ball to contact a cushion or drop in a pocket after the cue ball has contacted a legal object ball (ball on). Failure to contact a legal object ball first is a foul. 3. As long as reds are on the table, the incoming striker (player taking his first stroke of an inning) always has a red as his legal object ball (ball on). 4. Any red balls potted on a legal shot are legally potted balls; the striker need not call any particular red ball(s), pocket(s) or details of how the pot will be played. 5. When the striker has a red ball as his "ball on" (legal object ball), he must cause the cue ball's first contact to be with a red ball. Failure to do so is a foul (See Penalties For Fouls) 6. After the striker has scored a red ball initially, his next legal object is a color, and as long as reds remain on the table he must alternate his play between reds and colors (though within each group he may play a ball of his choice).

When reds remain on the table and a color is his object, the striker must (a) designate prior to stroking which color ball is his object (that specific color is then his "ball on"), and (b) cause the cue ball's first contact with a ball to be with that colored ball. If the striker fails to meet these requirements, it is a foul (See Penalties For Fouls). 7. If the striker's ball on is a red, and he pots a color, it is a foul. 8. If the striker's ball on is a color, and he pots any other ball, it is a foul. 9. Jump shots are illegal in International Snooker. It is a foul if the striker intentionally causes the cue ball to jump (rise from the bed of the table) by any means, if the jump is an effort to clear an obstructing ball. 10. While reds remain on the table, each potted color is spotted prior to the next stroke (see Spotting Balls below for spotting rules). After a color has been spotted, if the striker plays while that ball is incorrectly spotted (and opponent or referee calls it before two such plays have been taken), the shot taken is a foul.

If the striker plays two strokes after such error without its being announced by opponent or referee, he is free of penalty and continues playing and scoring normally as though the spotting error simply had not occurred. The striker is responsible for ensuring that all balls are correctly spotted before striking. If the striker plays while a ball(s) that should be on the table is not a foul may be awarded whenever the foul is discovered during the striker's inning. Any scoring prior to the discovery of the foul will count. 11. When no reds remain on the table, striker's balls on become the colors, in ascending numerical order (2,3,4,5,6,7). These legally potted colors are not spotted after each is potted; they remain off the table. (The black (7) ball is an exception in the case of a tie score; see Scoring.) Illegally Potted Ball: Reds illegally potted are not spotted; they remain off the table. Colors illegally potted are spotted. (See Spotting Balls.) Object Balls Jumped off the Table: Reds jumped off the table are not spotted and the striker has committed a foul. Colors jumped off the table are spotted and the striker has committed a foul.

(See Penalties For Fouls) Spotting Balls: Reds are never spotted. Colors to be spotted are placed as at the start of the game. If a color's spot is occupied (to mean that to spot it would make it touch a ball), it is placed on the spot of the highest value color that is unoccupied. If all spots are occupied, the color is spotted as close as possible to its original spot on a straight line between its spot and the nearest point on the top (foot) cushion. Cue Ball after Jumping off the Table: Incoming player has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle. When cue ball is in hand within the Half Circle (except the opening break), there is no restriction (based on position of reds or colors) as to what balls may be played; striker may play at any ball on regardless of where it is on the table. Touching a Ball: While balls are in play it is a foul if the striker touches any object ball or if the striker touches the cue ball with anything other than the tip during a legal stroke.

Snookered: The cue ball is snookered when a direct stroke in a straight line to any part of every ball on is obstructed by a ball or balls not on. If there is any one ball that is not so obstructed, the cue ball is not snookered. If in-hand within the Half Circle, the cue ball is snookered only if obstructed from all positions on or within the Half Circle. If the cue ball is obstructed by more than one ball, the one nearest to the cue ball is the effective snookering ball. Angled: The cue ball is angled when a direct stroke in a straight line to any part of every ball on is obstructed by a corner of the cushion. If there is any one ball on that is not so obstructed, the cue ball is not angled. If angled after a foul the referee or player will state "Angled Ball", and the striker has the choice to either (1) play from that position or (2) play from in hand within the Half Circle. Occupied: A spot is said to be occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without its touching another ball.

Touching Ball: If the cue ball is touching another ball which is, or can be, on, the referee or player shall state "Touching Ball." Thereafter the striker must play away from it or it is a push stroke (foul). No penalty is incurred for thus playing away if (1) the ball is not on; the ball is on and the striker nominates such ball; or (3) the ball is on and the striker nominates, and first hits, another ball. [If the referee considers that a touching ball has moved through an agency other than the player, it is not a foul.] Push Stroke: A push stroke is a foul and is made when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball (1) when the cue ball makes contact with the object ball, or (2) after the cue ball has commenced its forward motion. Provided that where the cue ball and an object ball are almost touching, it shall be deemed a legal stroke if the cue ball hits the finest possible edge of the object ball. Miss: The striker shall to the best of his ability endeavor to hit the ball on.

If the referee considers the rule infringed he shall call foul and a "miss." The incoming player (1) may play the ball(s) as they lie, or (2) may request that the ball(s) be returned to the original position and have the offending player play the stroke again. Note: if the ball on cannot possibly be hit, the striker is judged to be attempting to hit the ball on. Free Ball: After a foul, if the cue ball is snookered, the referee or player shall state "Free Ball." If the non-offending layer takes the next stroke he may nominate any ball as on. For this stroke, such ball shall be regarded as, and acquire the value of, the ball on. It is a foul should the cue ball fail to first hit, or - except when only the pink and black remain on the table - be snookered by, the free ball. If the "free ball" is potted, is is spotted, and the value of the ball on is scored. if the ball on is potted it is scored. If both the "free ball" and the ball on are potted, only the value of the ball on is scored.

Fouls If a foul is committed: 1. the player who committed the foul incurs the penalty prescribed (which is added to the opponent's score), and has to play again if requested by the next player. Once such a request has been made it cannot be withdrawn. 2. should more than one foul be committed in the same stroke the highest value penalty shall be incurred. 3. any ball improperly spotted shall remain where positioned, except that if off the table it shall be correctly spotted. Penalties for Fouls snookergames: Answers to submitted questions - Page 22 Page 23 PAGE 22 Page 21 Posted on 5th May 2008 by Mark Litten of Worcester. Suppose I have 70 points and my opponent has 20. I have just potted a red but have snookered myself on all colours with 51 points (3 reds + blacks, etc.) possible remaining. That means my opponent could win with 71 or more should I lose control of the cue ball.

Knowing that illegally potted reds are not returned to the table, what would keep me from fouling, illegally potting a red, giving my opponent 4 points whilst leaving only 43 points (2 reds + blacks, etc.) possible? Now my opponent's maximum would be 67 and would need a snooker to win. Is this possible? If you did play that shot the penalty would be seven points, as that is the penalty for either playing at two reds in succession, or for committing a foul before you had nominated a colour. That would give your opponent a total of 27 points, and with 43 possible points remaining your opponent could tie without needing a snooker. After calling a foul and a miss, the referee has two options. Either to warn you about your conduct, or to award the frame to your opponent on the grounds that your conduct was "willfully unfair". You would also quickly be branded a cheat, and lose the respect of your fellow players. In cases like this I think the rules should allow for the shot to be declared null and void, carry a seven point penalty, and have every ball replaced (including the red) into its original position.

Thus making such a tactic completely pointless. The player could then be warned about his conduct and the game would continue. The rules covering the duties of the referee make him or her the sole judge of fair or unfair play, and also gives them the right to make any decision for an event that is not specifically covered by the rules. So maybe a strong referee would replace the red as mentioned above, although I'm sure there will be some who disagree. Added 9th August 2009 by Peter Rook, co-author of " The Billiards and Snooker Referees' Handbook " If a player wilfully, in the referee's opinion, plays at two reds in succession (presumably he has no good shot on a colour) then as well as the 7 point penalty, a Miss must be called, giving the next player the option of having all balls replaced (including the pocketed second red) and making the offender play again at any colour of his choice. Posted on 20th January 2008 by Danny Nicholas of Cardiff. In snooker has the 4 point minimum penalty always been the rule. I seem to recall it used to be the value of object ball fouled on. Please confirm.

The 4 point minimum penalty has been the rule for many years, at least since 1920. I have a small rule book published in that year which clearly states this, and that may have been introduced when the rules were standardised 1n 1901. In the history section, you will find a set of rules dated 1896 that were published in "Pyramids & Pool Games" by J.P. Buchanan. Rules 25, 26, and 27 clearly state that it is the value of the ball played at which is the penalty; so that would be 1 point for a red, 2 points for yellow, and 3 points for green. "The Billiards and Snooker Referees' Handbook" by John Street and Peter Rook ( now back in print ), includes a brief history of the rules which state that in the early days the penalties were "one away for missing a red" and also "two away for missing any colour from a snookered position after potting a red." But as they say, in another club over the road a completely different set of rules might have been in force.

As the game became more popular the need to create a standardised set of rules became increasingly necessary, and as stated above this was done in 1901. So if you can recall those days I must congratulate you on your memory! Posted on 13th May 2007 by Chris Brown of Oldham. I was in discussion with a mate of mine who says that the pockets in televised championships are wider than the ones at a standard snooker club so they can get higher breaks. I disagreed saying that if anything it would be the other way around with the championship tables having smaller more accurate pockets because of the level of the players. Snooker clubs tend to have one or two match tables which are obviously different to the rest of the club tables. Can you shed some light on this aspect? You are quite correct in disagreeing that the pockets on tables used for professional tournaments are wider than those usually found in snooker clubs. Snooker clubs tend to have larger pockets (or rather larger pocket openings) as the face of the cushion is often undercut . The average club player could become disheartened if the pockets were too tight.

On the professional tournament tables the pockets have to conform to the official templates which measure the width of the pocket opening at the top of the cushion, as well as the fall of the slate. Some snooker clubs obviously take the game more seriously than others, and those that regularly have members only and/or open tournaments are much more likely to have a "match" table or two (which they usually charge a higher rate for) and these would probably conform to the pocket templates. You say in your mail that these pockets are more accurate, I think you mean that once the ball is within the jaws of the pocket it is more likely to go down than on the average club table, and I agree. On most club tables, the leather at the back of the pocket is donkey's years old, as hard as can be, and so less resilient to absorb the impact of the cue-ball. Hence they can sometimes be forced back out when they wouldn't be in the professional game. Posted on 23rd April 2007 by Alan Massey of Manchester. In a recent match between two players (challenge tour standard) the following occurred.

Player "A" was at the table and had potted red, brown, red, and then went in off the blue. As the referee I awarded 6 points to player "A" and 5 points for the foul to player "B" At this point there was a discussion with the board marker who was unsure of the score and in the confusion I neglected to replace the blue ball. I gave the white ball to player "B" and he played his shot. Player "A" then returned to the table and was just about to take his shot when a member of the audience pointed out that the blue ball was missing. I replaced the blue ball and after a short spell of embarrassment, player "A" played his shot and the frame continued without any further foul awarded to either player. After the match finished there were several points of view about what I (the referee) should have done. I took the position that the error was mine (the referees) and that if the member of the audience had not pointed out the error player "A" would have played a shot without the blue on the table just as player "B" had done. Was I right or wrong? What would be the correct decision under the current rules?

You made the right decision, and you are also correct in assuming that as the missing blue was a result of your mistake, the player should not be penalised. This change to the rules took place in September 1995. So when someone in the audience pointed out that the blue was missing, you did the right thing by replacing the blue, and correctly allowed the game to proceed without any further penalty. But there is one other little oddity that could have occurred when you replaced the blue. Imagine that Player "A" was then snookered. How would the rule apply then? Quite simply, it is considered to be the "rub of the green" or just plain "bad luck". Player "A" would have had to play the shot, just as he would have if Player "B" had left him in that position. Player "A" could not have been awarded a "free ball" or asked Player "B" to play again as no foul had been committed. Posted on 12th March 2007 by Andy Margetts. A friend and I have just purchased a full size snooker table.

It has E.J.Riley ACCRINGTON and the serial number:122368 wood stamped on each leg. I have been told it would have been built around 1927 and is made of West African mahogany and 2" welsh slate. It has large 10" turned legs with vertical grooves around the circumference of them, it also has lock and key locks in each of the legs. I am led to believe the model name is the Riley "Perfection". I would be interested to know if it is relatively rare, who or what would have purchased it at that time i.e wealthy person (tried to trace the serial number but records have been lost), and what i should insure it for so it could be replaced by something of the same quality should it get damaged. It is in fantastic condition, in full working order and will soon take pride of place in my home!!! So I really would appreciate any help in finding out about any of the above. If anyone can provide any information about this request I shall post it here. Posted on 29th January 2007 by Steve Clark of Dawlish.

With reference to Rules Section 2 Rule 12 & Section 3 10d(vi), can you tell me what would happen in the following situation: A player pots a red and is then snookered by the remaining reds on all colours. He does not nominate a colour (Sec. 2 Rule 12) and before the referee has time to ask (Sec. 3 Rule 10d(vi)) plays his stroke. The cue ball misses a red, misses the yellow & blue by a millimeter and ends up touching the black. Is this a foul and what is the penalty? What would have happened if the cue ball had come to rest not touching any colour? There is a belief that no foul was committed in the stroke given in the question, as the official rules give no clear instruction for such an incident. However, the non-striker obviously needs to be protected from such an obviously unfair stroke being made by his opponent, whether it was made in the heat of the moment or as a cleverly planned and devious attempt to gain an advantage. Imagine your opponent did this to you in the last frame of a semi-final and you had needed a snooker at that point in the game.

Had your opponent played the shot described above, how would you feel if the referee did not call a foul, when your opponent had obviously given himself such a massive advantage? Those of you who have not read the rules thoroughly may be surprised to learn that the official rules also cover the referee's duties, and these include being the sole judge of fair and unfair play, and being responsible for the proper conduct of the game. The referee is also free to make a decision in the interests of fair play for any situation not covered adequately in the rules. Had I been refereeing such an incident, I would have a called a foul, and awarded seven points to the non-striker, as the stroke was, in my opinion, completely unfair and beyond the spirit of the game. Had the cue-ball come to rest without touching any ball, then again a seven point penalty should be awarded for exactly the same reasons. Posted on 24th December 2006 by David Turner of Harlow. A foul shot has occurred with one red left on the table, the cue ball is touching the red. Is it a free ball or can you see both sides of the red? No free ball would be awarded by a referee and the reasoning is quite straightforward.

The rules clearly state that for a free ball to be awarded you must be snookered after the foul stroke. In your example you are not snookered, any more than you would be if the cue-ball had come to rest touching the cushion in the jaws of a pocket. You cannot be snookered by the cushion or by the ball "on" - so no free ball. But you would have the options of playing yourself or putting your opponent back in. Posted on 29th October 2006 by Dave Allen of Clitheroe. Whilst watching a frame of snooker in my local league a player nominated the brown as a free ball. He took his shot, missed potting it, and the brown then snookered his opponent. I thought this was a foul shot with a penalty of 4 points. The ref said although it was a foul he did not award the 4 points as he had hit the ball he nominated! Can you explain the rule covering this situation please as he is adamant he is right. The referee was wrong - the foul did carry a penalty of four points. The rules cover this situation very clearly.

They state that the penalty for playing a snooker behind a free ball is the value of the ball "on" - so in your example it should indeed have carried a penalty of four points. Posted on 14th May 2006 by Craig Benstock of Cambridge, England. Is it possible to pot all 15 reds in one legal shot from any position of reds & white (with all colours on their spots). This is given the maximum amount of force that can be applied to a cue ball with a cue, without it leaving the table (or shattering, cue breaking, etc...). Or is it simply that given the maximum input of force, and distances travelled, and transferred force to reds, that the momentum would run out before all the reds could find pockets. The momentum would surely run out too quickly as so much is lost through friction with the cloth. There would also be too many collisions for this to be possible. It would only take one full-ball collision between any two reds to make them stop dead and the chance would be lost.

Even if enough force could be generated and no balls left the table (or disintegrated) I'm sure at least one colour would be potted, leading to the cry of Foul! Online Billiards Games - play pool and snooker at Snooker Rules ﻿1. Requirements of the Game The playing area in our Game within the cushion faces measure 10 x 5 ft (2950 х 1450 mm). The balls have a diameter of 52.5mm. The game played with white cue ball and twenty-one object balls — fifteen object balls that are not numbered and are solid red (called reds), and six object balls of other colors that are not numbered (called colors). 2. Object of the Game One player must score a greater number of points than opponent. The winner of a frame is the player making the highest score. To prepare for the first shot, the player sets the cue ball anywhere within the “D zone” so that it can be aimed at a red ball. The objective is to score more points that the opponent by potting balls and, less commonly, by playing snookers that will force the opponent to make a foul stroke and thus give points away.

This tactic employed at any time during a frame is to leave the cue ball behind a ball not on such that it is snookered for the next player. If a player or side is more points behind than are available from the balls left on the table, then the laying of snookers in the hope of gaining points from fouls becomes most important. 3. General Each turn is called a "break" and consists of a series of strikes of the cue ball that come to an end when a player makes a non-scoring strike or a foul stroke. The accumulation of points with a series of successful pocketed balls in snooker is called a break. The highest break you can achieve in a frame of snooker, that is managing to successfully pocket all 15 red balls alternatively with 15 black balls and all of the colored balls in order, is officially recognized as 147 and is known as a maximum break. If a player is awarded a free-ball there is a possible break of 155 on, though this is not recognized as the maximum break total. A legally potted ball entitles the striker to continue the break at the table until he fails to legally pot a ball.

The cue ball must be played from where it finished after the previous shot unless it was potted (when the striker has cue ball in hand within the half circle zone; he may place the base of the cue ball anywhere on the line or within the half circle zone). Whenever a player is not able to directly play the ball to be struck with a straight shot, that position of the cue ball is called "snookered". In this case the opponent is required either to swerve the white ball around another ball or to bounce the cue ball off one or more cushions in order to hit the target ball. 4. Free Ball state If, following a foul shot, the cue ball is snookered, the next player may take a "free ball" — nominate any ball at the table as the “ball on”. In other words, when a player leaves an opponent unable to hit both sides of at least one ball "on" after a foul, the other player will receive a free ball. This means, when the player receive the “free ball” state, he has the option to play any ball on the table as if it was the ball that should properly be played next (called “ball on”).

For example, if a “free ball” occurs on a red, the player may play any color as if it were a red. The first touched ball, other than the “ball on”, is called as the “free ball” and can be potted. If the “free ball” (this means any ball, other than the “ball on”) was hit first by the cue ball, both the "free ball" and the “ball on” can be potted simultaneously without a foul. If the color ball as the "free ball" is potted, it is spotted; red balls are never spotted. After the shot in the “free ball” state, if the cue ball snookered by the “free ball”, it is a foul, except when only the pink and black remain on the table. 5. Playing For the first stroke of each turn, until all reds are off the table, red or a “free ball”, nominated as a red, is the “ball on”. In all cases, the next ball to be potted, must be the first ball struck by the cue ball or a foul shot is declared.

So when a player has next to pot a red ball, if a ball other than a red ball (except the “free ball” state) is struck first, it is a foul stroke. When the next legal object is a color ball, only the ball that was hit first by the cue ball is can be potted, otherwise it is a foul (exclude the “free ball” state, then the "free ball" was hit first and the “ball on” was potted). This means, a combination shot never be used to legally pocket color ball, unless the “free ball” was struck first and when the “ball on” was potted. Combination shots are allowed provided that the player has next to pot a red ball and hits one of any red balls, or in the “free ball” state (pocket the “ball on” using a “free-ball” in a combination shot). When the next legal object is a red ball or the “free ball” nominated as red, any red ball (not only the first touched red ball or “free ball”) or several red balls can be pocketed on the same shot.

If the “free ball” (this means any ball, when the player receive a “free ball” state) was hit first by the cue ball, both the "free ball" and the “ball on” can be potted simultaneously without a foul. When the striker has a red ball as his "ball on" (legal object ball), he must cause the cue ball's first contact to be with a red ball. A strike is legal when only red balls are potted. Failure to do so is a foul. The red or any “free ball” nominated as a red, potted on a legal shot, is scored. If the color ball, nominated as a “free red”, is potted, it is spotted. When the strike on the red ball is legal and several red balls pocketed on the same shot, it is not a foul; the player gets one point only independently of the number of red balls he has potted. If a red, or a “free ball” nominated as a red, is legally potted, the same player plays the next stroke and the next ball on is any color ball.

If red balls remains on the table, or the last red ball pocketed on the previous legal shot, the next legal object is any color ball of the striker’s choice which, if legally potted, is scored and the color ball is then spotted. When no reds remain on the table, striker's balls on become the colors, in ascending numerical order (2,3,4,5,6,7). The break is continued by potting reds and colors alternately until all the reds are off the table and, where applicable, any color ball has been played at following the potting of the last red. After the final red ball and its accompanying any color have been potted, the balls must be potted in order starting with yellow and finishing with black. If the striker fails to score or commits a foul, his turn ends and the next player plays from where the cue-ball comes to rest, or from in-hand within the half circle if the cue-ball was potted. 6. Scoring Points are scored in two ways: by legally potting reds or colors, and players are awarded points for fouls by the opponent.

Each legally potted red ball has a point value of one; each legally potted color ball has a point value as: Yellow valued 2, Green 3, Brown 4, Blue 5, Pink 6 and Black 7. Scoring strokes in a player’s turn are made by potting reds and colors alternately until all the reds are off the table and then the colors in the ascending order of their value. Points awarded for scoring strokes are added to the score of the striker. Penalty points from fouls are added to the opponent’s score. If the “ball on” is potted it is scored. If the ball as the "free ball" is potted, the value of the “ball on” is scored. This means, if the color ball nominated as a “free red” is potted, the value of red ball (one point) is scored. If both the "free ball" and the “ball on” are potted, only the value of the “ball on” is scored. 7.

Hitting two balls Simultaneously Two balls, other than two reds or a “free ball” and a “ball on”, must not be struck simultaneously by the first impact of the cue ball; it is a foul. 8. Spotting Balls Reds are never spotted. Reds illegally potted are not spotted; they remain off the table. Colors illegally potted are spotted. When no reds remain on the table, legally potted colors are not spotted after each is potted; they remain off the table; illegally potted are spotted. 9. Fouls If a shot is not played within defined time, it is a foul. Causing the cue ball to miss all object balls, or the cue ball to enter a pocket, is a foul. Failure to contact a legal object ball first (a ball not on) is a foul. Causing the cue ball to first hit simultaneously two balls, other than two reds or a “free ball” and a “ball on”, is a foul. If the striker's ball on is a red, and he pots a color, it is a foul; any red ball pocketed on the same legal shot is not a foul (except the “free ball” state).

If the striker's ball on is a color, and he pots any other ball (red or color), it is a foul (except the “free ball” state). If the striker fails to score or commits a foul, his turn ends and the next player plays from where the cue-ball comes to rest, or from in-hand within the “D zone” if the cue-ball was potted. To play from in-hand, the cue ball must be struck from a position on or within the lines of the "D zone" (half circle); it may be played in any direction. After a foul has been called, the next player may elect to play any red, where red was the ball on, or the color in ascending numerical order, where all reds were off the table. If more than one foul is committed in the same stroke, the highest value penalty shall be incurred. The player may not snooker their opponent behind a free-ball, except that is when only the colored balls pink and black remain on the table; it is a foul stroke. 10. End of Frame Eventually all balls except the black have been potted.

When only the Black is left, the first score or foul ends the frame excepting only if the scores are then equal. When the scores are equal and the Black is potted, the Black is spotted, and the next score or foul ends the frame. Special rule: Three consecutive times failure to play a shot within time limit is a loss of game. Snooker for beginners - Snooker rules and refereeing Snooker rules and refereeing Simplified rules for beginners Table at start of game: as depicted above. To remember the order of the colours in the "D" area, think of "G"od "B"less "Y"ou for Green, Brown, Yellow as you look at them from the end of the table.

Ball Terminology: * Cueball - the white ball, the only ball that you may hit with the cue * Red - red in color, there are 15 at the start of the game * Colour - one of the six balls that are neither red nor white Ball values: Pot - to put a ball into a pocket (and have it stay there) Foul - to do something against the rules Snookered - to be unable to roll the cueball in a straight line and hit the ball chosen. Ball ON - the ball you intend to hit with the cueball Fundamentals: 1 - You hit the cueball so that it, in turn, hits another ball and hopefully pots it. 2 - You must not pot the cueball When there are still red balls on the table: 3 - Your first shot on every turn must be to hit a red with the cueball 4 - If you pot that red (red is the ball ON), then you score 1 point and your next shot may be on any of the colours (be sure to say which one you have chosen). The red stays in the pocket.

5 - If you pot that colour (which is now the ball ON), then you score the value of the colour and your next shot must be a red. The colour goes back on its own spot. If it doesn't fit on its spot, then it goes on the highest valued spot available. 6 - If you fail to pot, or if you foul, then your turn is ended and your opponent gets to try 7 - continue with red-colour-red-colour until all reds are in the pockets When all red balls are gone: 8. Balls are pocketed in this order - yellow(2), green(3), brown(4), blue(5), pink(6), black(7). They stay in the pocket. Foul Rules: 1 - Once struck, cueball must make contact with ball ON first otherwise, foul is committed 2 - If your cueball does not hit anything on the table, your opponent may choose to take the shot or turn the table back to you 3 - If you commit a foul and your opponent is snookered on all balls ON, he may be allowed to select a freeball(any ball on the table).

The freeball, for this shot only, becomes another ball ON and has the same value and is respotted if potted. 4 - If your cueball first hits a ball other than the ball ON, then the penalty is the value of the ball struck or 4 points, whichever is greater. 5 - If you pot a ball other than the ball ON, then you do NOT score the value of the ball ON but your opponent scores the value of the ball pocketed. 6 - If you touch any ball on the table at any time,then the penalty is the value of the ball touched or 4 points, whichever is greater. The game ends when: 1. A player resigns because there are not enough balls on the table to make up for the opponent's score OR he does not have enough options to execute a good snooker to force the opponent into a foul. 2. All reds and ball colors are pocketed.

Winner: MartMix - Snooker Snooker Streetlamps Okay, time for another one of my hobbies - you may have already noticed I like to play with big balls (bowling balls that is) - well on occasion I also like to play with a set of smaller balls too, of varying colours, knocking them about using a big stick! Of course I am talking about snooker. Like any sport, snooker enthusiasts must practise a lot if they are going to be any good and become professionals. I am nowhere near that level as I do not play very often, maybe once or twice a month, but have played for several years so I like to class myself as average - well I can pot some balls anyway - as for my highest break, well I won't divulge that because it is mediocre - ha ha !! I don't play very much at all now due to other commitments but for many years I used to enjoy a few frames with a friend in Street (a town in Somerset) so I can now hear you asking why I travel 40 miles when I could play in Bristol.

Well the simple answer is that while there is nothing wrong with the clubs in Bristol or anywhere else, we went to the one in Street for so long as it is a cosy place and the staff are really friendly and it was local to my friend. A picture of the Triangle Snooker Centre in Street (at night!) can be seen top left. The game of snooker in general is quite easy to play (as long as you kids are tall enough to reach over the table!!) but the rules can get quite complicated in certain situations during professional matches. Here follows the most common rules of the game: A standard snooker table has dimensions of 12 foot by 6 foot and stands 34 inches from the floor. A match is split into a pre-set number of frames and the winner is the person with the highest number of frames won at the end of the match. A frame is won by the person with the highest score at the end of the frame. At the start of a frame the table contains 15 red balls (called reds) and six balls of other colours (called colours) and a white cue ball.

Each of the red balls is worth 1 point, while the colours have different values as follows: Yellow 2, Green 3, Brown 4, Blue 5, Pink 6 and . The maximum score in a frame of snooker is 147 (15 reds, 15 blacks then all the colours - unless an opponent is unlucky enough to commit a foul before potting anything then you could get more than 147 on the scoreboard!). 147's are achieved quite a lot nowadays - mostly in practice matches but you do get to see the odd one on TV now and then. The balls are arranged at the start as can be seen in the photos on the right (the white cue ball placed between green and brown due to me being left handed - right handed players usually place the cue ball between brown and yellow). The pack of reds form a triangle directly behind the pink. On the table there is a straight line running through the positions of the green, brown and yellow balls - this is called the baulk line.

A semicircle is joined to the baulk line as can be seen in the picture to the left (the line and semicircle are not clear due to being black lines so I added them by hand). The semicircle is known as the "D". Whenever a player has possession of the cue ball (known as "in hand"), usually at the very start, or after a foul where the white goes in a pocket or off the table, the cue ball must be positioned inside the "D". So at the start the player going first places the cue ball in the "D" and breaks off by striking the cue ball with the cue, sending it down the table to hit one of the red balls without hitting a colour first. If a colour is hit first, fails to make contact with a red or pots the cue ball in a pocket then a foul is committed (see penalties for fouls below for penalty scores). The opponent can either force the player to break again or continue the game himself (the white remains where it is unless it is pocketed, then it is "in hand"). A players turn (or visit) is over when he fails to legally pot a ball, then it is the opponent's turn.

Players must pot balls in a particular order. While reds remain on the table, a player must start by hitting a red ball and ultimately pot it, then he must nominate one of the colours, which if potted is replaced on the table in its usual position (if possible) and then go for another of the reds. The reds and colours alternate throughout the frame and the reds are never replaced on the table. If two reds are potted in one shot this is legal and two points are scored - neither reds are replaced on the table. Once the final red has been pocketed, the player can still pot any colour. From then on the colurs must be potted in sequence and are not replaced on the table (unless a foul has been committed) - the sequence is as per points value - yellow, green, brown, blue, pink and black.

The game is over when only the black remains and it is potted (or a foul committed) - however if when the black has been potted the scores are even, the black is respotted and the cue ball "in hand" placed in the "D", and a player is selected to play by whatever means (coin toss etc) and play at the black until it is potted or a foul is committed. FOUL SITUATIONS: If the ball to be potted is a red but a colour is potted it is a foul. Likewise if a particular colour is to be potted but any other ball is then it is a foul. If a ball leaves the table the player has committed a foul - any reds stay off but colours are respotted. Deliberately causing the cue ball to jump over an obstructing ball is illegal. If when respotting a colour it cannot be respotted on its original position because another ball is in the way it is placed in the first available position belonging to the highest valued colour. If all possible spots are covered it has to go as close as possible to its original position.

The cue ball is considered "snookered" when it cannot hit any ball "on" in a straight line from the current position, or from anywhere in the "D" if the cue ball is "in hand". If the cue ball is snookered after a foul then the player is given a free ball, where any ball can be hit and potted, and value of it counts as the legal ball "on". i.e if a red is snookered, and a free ball of blue is nominated and potted, the blue only counts as 1 point (i.e the value of a red), it is respotted and the player then goes for a colour. Players should not be seen to deliberately miss shots. If the opponent or referee deems a shot to be a deliberate miss, it is a foul. A "push" stroke occurs when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball when it hits another ball or after the cue ball has begun to move, again this is a foul. A touching ball occurs when the cue ball is touching any other ball that is "on" - then th eplayer must play away from the touching ball or commit a "push" stroke foul.

Players usually use their hand to form a bridge with the cue resting between thumb and forefinger, but certain situations require assistance, especially when it is awkward to reach over the table comfortably, especially with a lot of balls close together possibly inviting a foul! A variety of rests are used to help a player reach the balls comfortably - some can be seen in the photo above left - as you can see there are quite some interesting looking devices there! My black graphite snooker cue can be seen on the right - not very many use these (I like to be different!!) PENALTIES FOR FOULS: Every foul incurs a penalty of at least 4 points, unless it involves a colour of a higher value, when it is the value of the colour. If more than one foul is committed in the same shot then the highest value penalty is incurred. e.g player needs to hit a red, but the blue is hit first (5 point foul) but the blue also hits the black into a pocket thus the foul is 7 points. The penalty is added to the opponents score and the player must play again if requested by the opponent.

In summary, it is a foul if: The cue ball misses all the other balls, The cue ball enters a pocket, A ball that isn't "on" enters a pocket, The cue ball hits a ball that isn't "on" first, The cue ball first hits two balls simultaneously and both are not red. A penaltly of seven points is automatically awarded if a foul is committed before nominating a colour. So there you have it really, a briefish outline of the game - if you have ever sat there watching the professionals playing on the telly during the tournaments, why not pop down your local snooker hall and try it out for yourself - you may like playing the game. Dont be too worried about all the rules - it is fun just to go and knock some balls around! Try it. Links to Snooker on the WWW

Question: In the game of snooker, which colour ball should be pocketed after all the reds?
Answer: Yellow