The Rules of Billiards and Snooker Game Categories The Rules of Billiards and Snooker The following is a basic set of instructions for the friendly play of the game of Billiards and Snooker including additional comments designed to assist with the understanding of the game. Note: 1 foot = 30.48 cm Billiards Equipment A full-size Billiards table measures twelve feet by six feet, one and a half inches and has a baize-covered slate bed. The four edges of the table feature rubber edges covered in baize called "cushions". Six "pockets" are situated one at each corner plus one at the centre of each long side of the table into which the balls can drop. The six pockets normally have a net or a small collecting channel to catch the balls. Two feet, five inches from one end, a line is drawn across the table called the "baulk" line. Any ball between the baulk line and the nearest end is generally referred to as being "in baulk". A semi-circle is inscribed within the baulk area with is axis as the middlepoint of the baulk line and with a radius of eleven and a half inches.

This semi-circle is termed the "D". At the other end of the table, twelve and three-quarter inches from the end cushion, a spot is centrally inscribed as a starting point for the red ball. The cue ball is struck with tapered sticks featuring a striking tip called "cues". The cue tips are chalked to prevent a slippery contact with the ball. There is almost always an additional accessory available called a "rest" which is like a cue with a cross on the end upon which the cue can be rested to extend its playing length. Quite often, a "full-butt" and a "half-butt" are also available - these are much longer rests with arched fixments on the end that come with their own long cues for playing very long shots. Billiards is played with one red ball and two white cue balls, one with a small black spot and one without. The Start A doubles game is occasionally played but the game is usually singles. One player chooses to play with the white cue ball and the other the spotted white cue ball. To begin with, players play their cue ball from within the D down the table so that it bounces back up the table and comes to rest in baulk.

The player whose ball is closest to the baulk cushion chooses to go first or second. Most players prefer to go second because the first turn occurs with only two balls on the table - a severe limitation. The game starts with the red ball on it's spot and the cue ball of the starting player placed in the D at the front of the table. Players agree how many points will constitute a game and the objective is merely to be the first to score than number. A typical number for expert players might be 1000 points - professionals regularly score more than this in a single break. Beginners might consider 150 as a more appropriate target. Basic Play 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. Scoring is achieved by "potting" balls, by "cannons", and by going "in off". A ball is "potted" when the cue ball knocks it into a pocket. A "cannon" is when the cue ball strikes first one ball and then the other.

A player's ball goes "in off" when it falls into a pocket having first "kissed" (struck) another ball. Whenever the red ball is potted, it is immediately returned to the red spot for the next strike. Whenever the cue ball goes in off, it is immediately returned to the player who can position it anywhere within the D for the next strike. If the opponents ball is potted, it remains out of play until the end of that player's break. In this case, the opponent starts the next turn by positioning his ball anywhere within the D. Otherwise the opponent starts the next turn by striking the ball from wherever it ends up. Potting the opponents ball is usually to be avoided since scoring is much harder with only two balls on the table. Foul shots A foul occurs when a player's ball hits no other balls in which case 1 point is added to the opponent's score or when the player's ball goes directly into a pocket without hitting any other ball whereupon 3 points are given to the opponent. It will quickly be seen, however, that the size of these penalties are trivial compared to the injury suffered merely as a result of allowing the opponent onto the table.....

3 points for potting or going in off the red ball. 2 points for potting or going in off the opponents ball. 2 points for a cannon. Scoring is cumulative within a single strike so for instance, a common play is to both pot and go in off the red ball, thus scoring 6 points. The cue ball is deemed to go in off the first ball that it comes into contact with. So if the player strikes the opponents ball, cannons onto the red ball and then goes in off, 4 points are scored. The largest score possible in one strike is 10 points although, since this requires the opponents ball to be potted, it is is normally a bitter-sweet achievement. Special Situations When the player's ball finishes touching another ball, the red is put on its spot, the other player's white is placed on the centre spot, and the player must return his ball to the D. Snooker Equipment Snooker is played upon a Billiards table and uses the same cues and standard equipment.

Different balls are used, though - one white cue ball is used by both players together with 15 red balls worth 1 point each and 6 coloured balls worth differing points viz: Yellow - 2 points - initially placed on the right corner of the D as looked at from baulk. Green - 3 points - initially placed on the left corner of the D as looked at from baulk. Brown - 4 points - initially placed on the middle of the baulk line directly between the yellow and green balls. Blue - 5 points - initially placed slap bang in the middle of the table. Pink - 6 points - initially placed on a spot midway between the blue ball and the end cushion. Black - 7 points - initially placed on the spot used for the red ball in Billiards - twelve and three-quarter inches from the middle of the end cushion. The fifteen red balls are set in a triangle (using a special triangular frame) between the pink and the black balls so that the triangle points towards baulk with the red at the tip almost but not quite touching the pink ball.

In addition to the rest and the butts of the Billiards table, a three other special rests are sometimes available called "spider", "extended spider" and "swan neck". These are rests with special fixments on the end to gain additional height as well as length. The Objective and the Start 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. Players flip a coin to decide who goes first. To prepare for the first shot, the player concerned sets the cue ball anywhere within the D so that it can be aimed at a red ball. Basic Play 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. While there are reds on the table, a break must always start by potting a red. When a red has been potted the player must next pot a nominated coloured ball (if it is not obvious which colour is being aimed at, the player is required to orally make this clear).

A coloured ball that has been potted after a red is immediately returned to the table on its home spot. After a coloured ball, another red ball must be potted followed by a colour and so on until there are no red balls left. After the final red ball and its accompanying colour have been potted, the balls must be potted in order starting with yellow and finishing with black. In all cases, the next ball to be potted or colour nominated 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 is struck first, it is a foul stroke. As soon as the break comes to an end the other player has a chance to make a break which must always start with a red ball if there are any left, regardless of how the last break ended. The cue ball must be played from where it finished after the previous shot unless it went in-off. Once all the reds have been potted breaks start with the lowest value colour and continue through to the black ball. Points are scored according to the value of each ball potted.

Snooker is not all about potting balls - very often it is more advantageous to play safe by putting the cue ball into a position such that the the opponent will find the next shot very difficult to play or to score from. Whenever a player is not able to directly play the ball to be struck with a straight shot, that player is said to be "snookered" on that ball. 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. With either type of shot, it is difficult to judge the outcome and so the player who engineered the snooker has a good chance either of winning points because the opponent plays a foul shot or at least benefiting from a good position for the next turn. Common Foul shots A foul shot is declared in any of the following scenarios. The cue-ball strikes first a ball other than the next ball to be potted or the colour nominated to be potted. Whenever the cue ball goes in-off (into a pocket) or leaves the table. The ball is placed anywhere in the D by the next player before the next strike. Whenever an incorrect ball is potted.

For instance, if the red is being played but the blue ball gets knocked into the pocket. The player who committed a foul stroke receives no points for that stroke even if a legitimate ball was potted and the break is over. However, any points made in the break prior to the foul shot are kept. Whenever a foul stroke is committed, the opponent receives some penalty points viz: If the ball being played is the black or the foul occurred because the black ball was struck first incorrectly or potted incorrectly, then seven points are forfeited. If the ball being played is the pink or the foul occurred because the pink ball was struck first incorrectly or potted incorrectly, then six points are forfeited. If the ball being played is the blue or the foul occurred because the blue ball was struck first incorrectly or potted incorrectly, then five points are forfeited. Otherwise four points are forfeited. Where more than one foul occurs in one stroke, only one penalty applies but it is always the largest applicable penalty. So if a red is being played and the player misses hits the yellow first, pots the green and goes in-off, only four points are awarded to the opponent.

However, if the brown is being played and the player hits it first but accidentally knocks it onto the pink ball which falls into a pocket, six points are awarded to the opponent. Some rules apply to the turn following a foul stroke viz: After any foul shot, the player who would normally play next may choose to allow the fouling player to take the next shot, instead. If, following a foul shot, the next player is is snookered, that player may take a "free ball". In this case, the player has the option to play any ball on the table as if it was the ball that should properly be played next. Thereafter play continues normally. So if a free ball occurs on a red, the player may play any colour as if it were a red, after which a coloured ball is nominated. The shot after that would be on a red ball if available - the yellow otherwise. If a free ball occurs on a coloured ball after all the reds are potted, the player will attempt to pot any nominated ball and the next shot will revert to the lowest value ball. Less oft-used rules If the cue-ball ever comes to rest touching another ball, a "touching ball" is called.

If the ball being touched is the ball to be played or is nominated as such by the player, then the player is counted as having played the ball already. Regardless, the player must play away from the ball in order to avoid playing an illegal push shot. Sometimes a coloured ball that has been potted after a red cannot be returned to the table on its home spot due to being covered by another ball. In this case, the spot of the black is used or, if that is not available, the pink spot and so on down to the yellow spot. If none of the spots are available, then the ball is placed on an imaginary line through the black and pink spots as close to the black spot as possible from the end of the table. Less common foul shots are listed below: If the player plays a "push shot". This happens if the targeted ball is close to the cue ball and the cue tip is still in contact with the cue-ball when it strikes the target ball. In the case of a "touching ball", the player must play away from the ball - if it moves then it is a push shot and a foul.

If the cue-ball hops over the ball being aimed at, this is deemed a "jump shot" and is a foul stroke. If the cue-ball is struck twice. If a ball is touched before it has finished rolling. If the player strikes the cue ball without at least one foot touching the floor. The End Eventually all balls except the black have been potted. At this stage, if the difference in score is more than seven points, the game ends since it is only sporting to assume that a player will not miss a direct shot and so there is no way for the losing player to win. Otherwise, the last ball is potted in the usual way. If the game is drawn, then the black is re-spotted and the cue ball is moved to and played from anywhere within the D. The players flip a coin to decide who plays first and play continues. The player who pots the black wins the game. At any point during the game a player can resign the game. A player would normally resign when the score is such that even with all the balls and two or three snookers he would not overtake the other player.

Snooker | Billiards & Games Room Billiards & Games Room 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". 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 A legally potted ball entitles the striker to continue at the table until he fails to legally pot a ball. 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. 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). 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.

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 ) 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 ). If the striker's ball on is a red, and he pots a color, it is a foul. If the striker's ball on is a color, and he pots any other ball, it is a foul. 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. 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. 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: 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. should more than one foul be committed in the same stroke the highest value penalty shall be incurred. any ball improperly spotted shall remain where positioned, except that if off the table it shall be correctly spotted.

Penalties for Fouls The following are fouls and incur a penalty of four points or the higher one prescribed: value of the ball on - by striking: when the balls are still moving from the previous shot. the cue ball more than once (double hit). without at least one foot on the floor. out of turn. value of the ball on or ball concerned - by causing: a ball not on to enter a pocket. the cue ball to first hit a ball not on. a push stroke. by striking with a ball not correctly spotted. by touching a ball with other than the tip of the cue. by forcing a ball off the table. value of the ball on or higher value of the two balls by causing the cue ball to hit simultaneously two balls other than two reds or a "free ball" and the ball on. penalty of seven points is incurred if - the striker after potting a red commits a foul before nominating a color. uses a ball off the table for any purpose. plays at reds in successive strokes. uses as the cue ball any ball other than the white one. Disclaimer This file contains property copyrighted by the Billiard Congress of America .

Any modification or sale of the information herein is strictly prohibited by the laws governing that copyright. Please direct questions regarding interpretation of the following, or information on how to receive the current BCA "Billiards - The Official Rules and Records book" to the Billiard Congress of America at 910 23rd Avenue, Coralville, IA 52241. Phone: 319-351-2112, Fax: 319-351-7767. The Spots - Snooker rules and refereeing Snooker rules and refereeing Contact The locations of the spots are defined in the rules, but why are they there and not somewhere else? Start by understanding that we do NOT play Snooker on a Snooker table .. we play Snooker on an English Billiards table and the spots are placed for English Billiards players. The layout for a full size table was a collaboration between John Thurston and the first actual billiards champion one Jonathan ( Edwin) Kentfield in the 1830's. The Baulk Line for English Billiards (hence Snooker) at 29 ins.

allows a perfect half ball angle for the losing hazard (in-off) from the pyramid spot (Pink) into the top corner pocket with the cue ball set at either end of the 23ins. D (many thanks to Frank Sandell for solving this mystery) The Pink (Pyramid) Spot and the Blue (Centre) Spots are fairly obvious. The Spot (Black) is on the centre line of the table, twelve and three-quarter inches from the face of the Top cushion, in exactly the right place that allows a perfect half ball angle for the losing hazard (in-off) into the top corner pocket with the cue ball set at the drop of the centre pocket . The markings on the table are derived mathematically, based on the distances between the faces of the cushions, so if you have a non-standard table size, you should be able to determine them. Here is a diagramme: Use a string drawn taught between the centre of the fall of the corner pockets in an 'X' shape to find the Blue spot.

Similarly, string drawn taught between the corner pockets and the side pockets will find the Pink spot Here is a photo of Canadas Head Referee, Kevin Patrick and the other referees at the World Under-21 Championships in Montreal in 2011 doing just that: ✕ FG Bradley’s Expert Tips – Spotting and Lining Your Pool or Snooker Table Spotting and Lining Your Billiard Table Depending on what game you play and the size of your table, you are going to have lines and spots on different places. Marking your table for snooker play will allow you to play both pool and snooker. If pool is the only game you currently play, we recommend that you only mark your table for pool, as the markings for snooker may be added later. To mark your table you will need spots, a felt tip permanent marker, a tape measure, long straight edge and either a piece of chalkboard chalk or chalk string. Spots come in two types; small ½ inch black spots, and large 1 ¼ inch black with a white dot. The smaller spots are recommended for spotting a table for snooker, while the larger master spots are best for marking for pool.

The reason we use smaller spots for snooker is because there are many more spots, six in total, while pool requires only one. Spots are easily adhered, simply wet the back of the spot (the shiny side), just like the postage stamps of old, and press firmly into the cloth on the position you desire. The permanent felt tip marker is used to mark the baulk line in both pool and snooker, and the “D” in snooker. A good way to be sure you are marking the cloth correctly is to use chalk to mark a guideline first, before using a permanent marker. Remember that billiard cloth is expensive to replace, and it is always best to measure at least twice before marking your table. The first step is to find the centre line of the table. Measure across the width of the table from the front of the cushions and mark the centre of the table with a piece of chalk. Repeat this process on the other end of the pool table and then “Snap” a chalk line from one mark to the other thus marking a line down the centre of the table. Next we should measure for the lines needed on your table.

To measure the baulk line, used in both pool and snooker, we should measure from the tip of the rail at the top or the head of the table (the end you break from). Depending on the size of your table, this measurement will differ. A 4 x 8 table will have a baulk line that is 19 3/8 inches from the tip of the head rail while a 4 ½ x 9 table will have the line 21 ¾ inches away. Click here for a complete Spotting Chart The other line, the “D”, is only used in snooker. To accomplish marking the “D”, find the center of the baulk line. Make a mark 7 ½ inches down-table on the centre line from the bulk line with a piece of chalk. Next, tie a length of string to your marker. Place the unattached end of the string at the center point of the baulk line, placing your finger firmly on top of it to prevent slipping.

Pull the string tightly so it is on the 7 ½” mark you made, and then starting from the baulk line, and going towards the head of the table, drag the marker until you reach the other side of the baulk line. You should now have a semi-circle on the baulk line, facing the head of the billiard table. This should be tried with a piece of chalkboard chalk a few times, until you are absolutely sure that you will have the desired result. If you are unsure, it is highly recommended that you should have a professional mark your table for you. Remember, billiard cloth is expensive to replace. After having all the appropriate lines on your table, spotting your table should be relatively easy. If you are spotting for pool, the Apex spot is the only spot required. This spot marks where the triangle will be placed, when racking up the balls prior to a break. The Apex spot is half way between the tip of the foot rail and the center spot, and of equal distance from either side rail. This is 22 inches the foot rail on 4 x 8 billiard tables. This spot is also required in snooker.

All other spots on the table are required only for snooker. The Pyramid Spot marks the pink ball in snooker. It should be 23 inches from the foot rail and centered on either side. It is important to note that when the pink ball is spotted it should not touch the head ball in the triangle after the balls have been racked. The Spot marks the black ball in a snooker game, and can be used in pool to spot scratched balls in a push or pull game, but is not necessary. This is measured to be 8 ¾ inches from the tip of bottom or foot rail, and should be of equal distance from either side rail. The Center Spot marks the blue ball and is in the direct center of the table, 44 inches from either the head or the foot rail, on 4 x 8 billiard tables. The next three spots are on the baulk line. Two are at the intersections of the “D” and the baulk line, and the last is at the center of the baulk line. Now your table is spotted and lined and you’re ready to play.

While marking your table it is important that you measure at least twice before you mark, and it is a good idea to mark with chalk first as a guideline. If you are not sure about what you are doing, allow a professional to accept the responsibility for you. It will cost you much less to have someone experienced to mark your billiard table, than it would to recloth your table. 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

Question: In the game of billiards, what colour are the spots on the spot balls?
Answer: Black