How Snooker Is Played

How To Play Snooker

The object of the game of Snooker is to score more points than your opponent.

Each game is called a frame.

Points are scored by potting a red followed by any colour ball.

When all 15 reds have been potted, a the colours are then potted in order of value – lowest to highest.

Yellow, green, brown, blue, pink and lastly black.

You also score points when your opponent fouls. No lower than four points for a red, yellow, green or brown up to 7 points maximum for the black.

The following shots are classified as foul strokes.

A foul is: 

Missed ball – Missing the ball you are aiming to hit.

Wrong Ball – Potting a ball which you are not supposed to pot.

Jump Shot – If any ball jumps off the table or the cue ball jumps over the ball you are aiming at.

In Off – Potting the cue-ball.

Push Shot – Pushing the cue-ball against another ball that is in close proximity.

There are a lot more rules for the game of Snooker played on proper Snooker Equipment but these basics should allow you to enjoy the game without becoming too confused.

If a frame is tied then the black ball is placed on its spot and the players will play a black ball game – whoever pots the black is declared the winner. The first person to play the black ball is normally selected by the toss of a coin.

The game played on full size snooker table is so much more involved than pool (8 ball) and accuracy is needed even more as you are often faced with potting balls over greater distances with unforgiving pockets.