How to play Snooker? Learn the rules!
Snooker is a billiard game that has gained enormous popularity around the world. It is a game that requires precision, focus and tactical skills. In this article, we will discuss the rules of snooker to help you start your adventure with this fascinating game.
Rules of snooker
Snooker rules, How to play snooker? These are frequently searched phrases on the Internet by lovers of this game. The rules of snooker are quite complicated, but you don't need to know them by heart to enjoy the game. Here is a brief overview of the most crucial points to keep in mind about snooker rules:
- The game of snooker is played on a 356 cm x 178 cm (12ft) table
- The goal of the game is to score as many points as possible by pocketing balls in a specific order.
- The game starts with hitting the white ball in such a way that it touches one of the red colored balls.
- After pocketing the red ball, the player must pocket one of the other colored balls, i.e. yellow, blue, green, pink, brown and black, then red again, and so on.
- For each correct pocketing of a red ball or a colored ball, the player receives points according to the number of the ball pocketed. For pocketing a red ball red, the player receives 1 point, yellow 2, green 3, brown 4, blue 5, pink 6, black 7 points.
- If a player sinks the white ball, he commits a "foul" and his opponent receives points and has the right to choose the position on the table for the white ball.
- If a player doesn’t directly hit the correct ball, he commits a "foul" and his opponent receives points.
These fundamental rules of snooker serve as a mere introduction to this complex and challenging game. The following are more detailed explanations of the various elements of the game.
How to play snooker? Starting the game
A game of snooker begins by setting the red ball on the starting point, which is the center of the shorter side of the table. The starting order is then drawn or decided between players.
Percussion
To start the game, the player must hit the white ball in a way that it strikes one of the red balls. Upon pocketing a red ball, the player can continue the game by attempting to pocket a colored ball, earning points for the colored ball in question, and then sinking another red ball. The game continues in this manner until all the red balls on the table have been pocketed. At this point, the player must pocket the remaining colored balls one by one, beginning with the one worth the fewest points.
There is also a special way of scoring points in snooker, called a break. A break is a series of correct strokes that end in scoring points. The longer the break, the more points can be scored. The highest break ever made in the history of snooker is 155 points. This is only possible if the player makes a special stroke, called a "free ball". In this situation, the player can hit a colored ball instead of touching the red ball, for which he will receive points as if he had pocketed the red ball. In this way, he can continue the break.
Point values of individual balls in snooker"
In snooker, each ball has its own point value. The least valuable is the red ball, which is valued at 1 point. The next balls named yellow, green, brown, blue, pink and black have point values of: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively. A total of 27 points can be earned for pocketing all seven colored balls. If a player pockets a red ball, he then has the opportunity to hit one of the colored balls, which increases the point value of each subsequent hit. After collecting points for a colored ball, that ball returns to its place on the table and the player must start again with the red ball.
Rules of snooker
The answer to the question how to play snooker is quite simple despite the fact that the snooker rules themselves are quite complicated and require a lot of time to master. One of the most important aspects of the game is fair play. A player who breaks the rules risks a point penalty or disqualification.
Among the most important rules of the game of snooker are:
- The player must hit the white ball in such a way that it touches one of the balls. If he fails to do so, the opponent gets points for a foul.
- When there are no more red balls on the table, the player must always aim to pocket the colored ball with the lowest point value.
- After hitting a red ball, the player must continue the game by hitting a colored ball. If the player fails to hit any ball, he commits a foul, and the opponent gets the points
- The player must always touch the white ball first before hitting the colored ball. If he fails to do so, the opponent gets points for a foul.
- The player must not touch any balls other than the white ball and the one he intends to pocket. If he does not observe this, he commits a foul.
- It's important in snooker that a player doesn't strike the ball before all the balls on the table have come to a complete stop from the previous shot. Failure to follow this rule results in a foul. When a foul occurs, the opposing player receives points and the opportunity to take their next turn. Depending on the situation on the table, fouls in snooker can result in various amounts of points, ranging from 4 to 7.
A good cue is also essential in snooker. Unlike cues for traditional billiards, snooker cues are longer and have a narrower tip, providing more precision when striking the ball. The cue's weight and length can vary depending on the player's preference.
Overall, snooker is one of the most beloved forms of billiards. Though the rules may be more complex than in traditional billiards, this only adds to the game's challenge and excitement. Before playing, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules and equip yourself with a quality cue.
Start using our system
FOR FREE