An ideal initial development in the game of snooker. Rules of the game "Snooker. Popped up aiming balls

Snooker, also called English billiards, is popular all over the world. How to play snooker? The rules are quite simple.

At the beginning of the game, a pyramid of fifteen red balls is built. This is the starting position. Six balls of different colors are placed according to the marks on the table.

Snooker: rules of the game

cue ball ( white color) is of particular importance. With it, athletes must alternately score balls into the pockets. If the player has taken a scoring kick, he continues the game. If he misses, the right to move is transferred to the opponent. There must be a strict order. After the red ball went into the pocket, you need to score a colored one, then a red one again, etc. Moreover, the colored ones should be set to their original position while the red ones remain on the table. The rule of "ordering" the ball also applies. If there are reds left on the table, and the player will strike at the colored, he needs to indicate which object he wants to drive into the pocket.

Snooker: rules for determining the winner

During each game, called a frame, the players are awarded points. If the result is a draw, a black ball is placed on the table. The frame is played with that ball only and ends after a scoring hit or foul. Thus the winner is revealed.

The player receives points both for his own effective hits and for violations committed by the opponent. The game ends when all the balls are in the pockets or in the case when after the violation or the first blow (effective) only the black ball remains on the table.

Snooker: Scoring Rules

Many consider this sport to be sluggish, static and uninteresting, but it has a powerful hidden dynamic. Players must be able to objectively assess the situation, think strategically and deliver accurate shots. The difficulty lies in the fact that the number of points that can be obtained from a successful strike depends on the selected ball. Therefore, the player must not only try to score, but also create obstacles for the opponent's successful move. You also need to try to "close" the most "profitable" balls.

Theoretically, a player can earn 147 points during the game. This is possible if, after the reds, he only pockets black balls. And later - other multi-colored ones, in accordance with the number of points brought.

The most "profitable" color is black. He brings seven points. Six points gives pink, five - blue. To get four points, you need to score brown. Three points brings green, two - yellow and one - red.

As you can see, the rules of snooker are quite simple. But to win, you need to calculate the location of the balls several moves ahead. To win, you must always hit so that the cue ball returns to a favorable position. The goal is not just to pocket the ball. It is important to create a series of effective strikes. Therefore, not only accuracy and skill are important here, but also the ability to think strategically.

There are various variations of this game. Including American and Brazilian snooker. The rules differ slightly, the main idea is the same. There is also a shortened version of the game that uses six red balls.

PART 1. EQUIPMENT

All dimensions shown in parentheses in the metric system have been rounded to the nearest millimeter.

1. Standard table
Dimensions
(a) The playing field, bounded by the boards, must measure 11" 8?" 5" 10" (3569mm by 1778mm) with a tolerance on both dimensions of ±?" (±13mm).
Height
(b) The height of the table from the floor to the top of the board must be between 2" 9?" up to 2" 10?" (from 851 mm to 876 mm).
pockets
(c) (i) Pockets must be located in the corners (two at the Point - the so-called top pockets and two in the Beam area - the bottom pockets) and one in the middle of each long board (middle pockets).
(ii) Pocket shapes must conform to the templates approved by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
Beam and Beam Line
(d) A straight line drawn 29" (737 mm) from the bottom edge, parallel to it, is called the Beam line, and this line and the space enclosed by it is called the Beam.
Sector (D)
(e) Sector (D) is a semi-circle located in the Beam, centered on the middle of the Beam line and with a radius of 11? (292 mm).
points
(f) Four dots are marked on the center line of the table:
(i) The dot (otherwise known as the Black Dot) is located 12" (324 mm) below and perpendicular to the upper board.
(ii) Center Point (Blue Dot), located midway between the near and far sides.
(iii) The Pyramid Point (Pink Dot) is located midway between the Center Point and the top board.
(iv) Midpoint of Beam line (Brown dot).
Two more points are located in the corners of the Sector (D). Seen from the Beam, the dot on the right is called the Yellow Dot and on the left is the Green Dot.

2. Balls
The balls must be of an approved material and each must be 52.5 mm in diameter (with a tolerance of ±0.05 mm), and:
(a) they must be of the same weight, with a tolerance of 3 g per set,
(b) a ball or set of balls may be replaced by agreement between the players or by the referee's decision.
The cost of the balls is as follows:
Red - 1
Yellow - 2
Green - 3
Brown - 4
Blue - 5
Pink - 6
Black - 7.

3. cue
The cue must not be less than 3 feet (914 mm) in length and substantially different from the traditional and common form and shape.

4. Accessories
Various cue stands, long cues (called bats and half-bats according to the length), extensions and adapters can be used by players who find themselves in difficult positions when making a stroke.
Utensils normally found at the table may be used, including utensils provided either by either player or by the referee (see also Section 3 Law 18). All extensions, adapters, and other stroke assist devices must be WPBSA approved designs.

PART 2. DEFINITIONS

1. Frame
A frame in Snooker covers the period of time from the moment of the kick-off, with all balls laid out under Rule 2 of Part 3, and ends with:
(a) concession by any player to his turn,
(b) at the request of the striker, when only the black ball remains on the table and the score difference is more than seven points in his favor,
(c) by the final play of a ball or a foul with only the Black ball remaining, or
(d) by a decision of the referee under Section 3 Rule 14(c) or Section 4 Rule 2.

2. Game
The game consists of a specified or agreed number of frames.
3. Match
A match consists of a specified or agreed number of games.

4. Balls
(a) The white ball is the cue ball.
(b) 15 Reds and 6 Colors are object balls.

5. Beater
The person who is playing or about to play is the Striker and remains so until the referee decides that the player has left the table at the end of his turn.

6. Punch
(a) A stroke is made when the striker hits the cue ball with the cue stick.
(b) The kick is legal if no infringement of the Rules is committed.
(c) The stroke is not completed until all balls have stopped.
(d) A hit may be made directly or from the boards, as follows:
(i) a straight shot where the cue ball hits an object ball without first hitting the boards,
(ii) board shot where the cue ball hits one or more boards before hitting an object ball.

7. Act out
An object ball is considered played if, after contact with another ball, and without violating the Rules, it falls into a pocket. The process of pocketing a ball into a pocket is called tackling.

8. Series (Break)
A series (break) is the number of successful hits made by a player during any one approach during a frame.

9. Handplay
(a) The cue ball is played out of hand
(i) before the start of each frame,
(ii) when he is pocketed, or
(iii) when it is knocked off the table, or
(iv) when the Black Ball is re-spotted to determine the winner of a tie frame.
(b) It remains in this state until
(i) will not be properly played out of hand, or
(ii) no foul is committed while the cue ball is placed on the table.
(c) The striker is said to be in-hand when the cue-ball is in-hand as described above.

10. Ball in play
(a) The cue ball is in play when not in hand.
(b) Object balls are in play from the start of a frame until they are played or knocked off the table.
(c) Coloreds are again considered in play when spotted.

11. Another ball
Any ball that can, without breaking the Rules, be hit with the first contact of the cue ball, or that cannot be hit like that, but which can be played, is considered to be on.

12. Ordered ball
(a) A nominated ball is an object ball which the striker names or designates in a manner the referee understands and which he must strike with the first contact of the cue ball.
(b) At the referee's request, the striker shall name the ball on which he has chosen.

13. Free ball
A free ball is one that the striker calls in as a ball on when the cue ball is snookered after a foul (see Section 3 Rule 10).

14. Knocked off the table
A ball is knocked off the table if it comes to rest other than on the playing surface of the table or in a pocket, or if it is lifted by the striker while the ball is in play, except as provided in Rule 14(h) of Part 3.

15. Foul
Any violation of these Rules is considered a foul.

16. Snooker
The cue ball is snookered (disguised) if its path in a straight line when making a direct hit on each ball on is completely or partially obstructed by a ball or balls not on. If one or more balls on can be struck at their very edges without interference from any balls not on, then the cue ball is not snookered.
(a) In in-hand play, the cue ball is snookered when masked as described above, in all possible positions within Sector (D) or on its line.
(b) If the cue ball is masked by more than one ball out of turn, then
(i) the ball closest to the cue ball is considered to be an effective masking ball, and
(ii) in the case of balls equidistant from the cue ball, all such balls will be considered effective masking balls.
(c) If the ball on is a Red and the cue ball is masked from hitting different Reds with different balls out of order, then there is no effectively masking ball.
(d) The striker is snookered when the cue ball is masked as described above.
(e) The cue ball may not be boarded. If the curved lip of the pocket blocks the path of the cue ball and is closer to it than any of the masking out of order balls, then the cue ball is not snookered.

17. Busy point
A spot is considered occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without touching another ball.

18. Squeeze
A push is made when the cue tip stays in contact with the cue ball
(a) after the cue ball has started to move forward, or
(b) when the cue ball has touched an object ball, unless the cue ball and object ball are almost touching, there will be no push if the cue ball strikes very thinly on the edge of the object ball.

19. Jump
A jump is made if the cue ball passes over any part of the object ball, whether it touches it in the process or not, except:
(a) when the cue ball first hits an object ball and then jumps over another ball,
(b) when the cue ball bounces and strikes an object ball but does not land behind that ball,
(c) when, after hitting an object ball legally, the cue ball jumps over that ball after hitting a rail or another ball.

20. Miss
A miss is called when the cue ball misses the first contact on a ball on and the referee believes that the striker did not make a good enough attempt to hit the ball on.

PART 3. GAME

1. Description
Snooker can be played by two or more players, either alone or as a team. Briefly, the game is as follows:
(a) Each player uses the same White cue ball and 21 object balls: 15 Reds worth 1, and 6 colored ones: Yellow - 2, Green - 3, Brown - 4, Blue - 5, Pink - 6, Black - 7.
(b) Scoring shots, on their turn, are made by alternately playing Reds and Coloreds until all Reds are out of play, and then Coloreds in ascending order of value.
(c) Points awarded for scoring hits are added to the striker's score.
(d) Penalty points for fouls are added to the opponent's score.
(e) The tactic used during a frame is to leave the cue ball behind the balls out of turn so as to disguise it for the next player. If a player or side is behind the opponent by more points than the possible value of all the balls remaining on the table, setting up snookers in the hope of gaining points from fouls becomes most important.
(f) The winner of a frame is the player (or side)
(i) the highest scorer,
(ii) to whom the frame is conceded, or
(iii) to whom the victory is awarded under Rule 14(c) of Section 3 or Rule 2 of Section 4.
(g) The winner of the game is the player (or side)
(i) winning more or the required number of frames,
(ii) the highest scorer, if the total score counts, or
(iii) to whom the victory is awarded under Rule 2 of Section 4.
(h) The winner of the match is the player (or side) who wins more games or the one with the most points, if total points are taken into account.

2. The position of the balls
(a) At the start of each frame, the cue ball is played from hand and object balls are set as follows:
(i) Reds - in the form of a tight equilateral triangle (pyramid), the top ball on the center line of the table above the Pyramid Point, as close as possible to but not touching the Pink, the base of the triangle closest to and parallel to the top board,
(ii) Yellow - to the right corner of Sector (D),
(iii) Green - to the left corner of Sector (D),
(iv) Brown - in the middle of the Beam line,
(v) Blue - to the Center Point,
(vi) Pink - to the Point of the Pyramid,
(vii) Black - to the Point.
(b) After the start of a frame, a ball in play may only be cleared by the referee at the striker's reasonable request, and
(i) the position of the ball, if not on the spot, must be marked by a suitable device before the ball is lifted for cleaning,
(ii) the device used to mark the position of a ball being cleaned will be treated as that ball until it has been cleaned and replaced. If any player other than the striker touches or moves the device, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker, but without changing the order of play. The referee must return the device or ball being cleared to its position at its discretion, even if it has been lifted.

3. Game progress
Players determine the order of play by lot or by mutual agreement.
(a) The order of play thus determined shall remain unchanged for the duration of the frame, unless the next player requests to play on after any foul.
(b) The kick-off players or sides must alternate in each frame during the game. (c) The first player plays out of hand, the frame begins after the cue ball has been placed on the table and has come into contact with the cue sticker, or
(i) how the stroke is made, or
(ii) while addressing the cue ball.
(d) For a kick to be legal, none of the infringements described below in Rule 12 Penalties must occur.
(e) For the first stroke on each run, until all Reds have left the table, the Red or Red nominated free ball is ball on, and the value of each Red potted or Red nominated free ball counts.
(f) (i) If Red or a free ball ordered by Red is potted, then the same player plays the next stroke and the ball on is any color of the striker's choice, if potted, the value of the color counts and the color is spotted.
(ii) The series continues with the potting of Reds and coloreds alternately until all Reds have left the table and, once this has happened, a color must be played following the last played Red.
(iii) Colors then become on in order of increasing value under Section 3 Rule 1(a) and when a color on is potted, it is not spotted except as provided in Rule 4 below, and the striker plays the next color on.
(g) Reds are not re-spotted on the table once played or knocked off the table, even though the player may benefit from a foul. Exceptions to this rule are provided in Rules 2(b)(ii), 9, 14(f), 14(h) and 15 of Part 3.
(h) If the striker fails to score or commits a foul, his turn ends and the next player shoots from where the cue ball has stopped or from his hand if the cue ball is out of play.

4. End of frame, game and match
(a) With only Black remaining on the table, the first hit or foul ends the frame unless both of the following conditions are met:
(i) the score is tied and
(ii) the total score does not count.
(b) When both of the conditions described in (a) above occur:
(i) Black is exhibited,
(ii) the players draw lots to choose the order of play,
(iii) the next player takes a kick, and
(iv) the next hit or foul ends the frame.
(c) If the winner of the game or match is determined by the total score and the score is tied at the end of the last frame, then the players in that frame must follow the procedure for setting up Black in (b) above.

5. Handplay
In in-hand play, the cue ball must be hit from inside or from the beam line, but can be played in either direction.
(a) The referee must report if asked if the cue ball is properly placed (i.e. not outside of Area (D)).
(b) If the cue stick touches the cue ball when it is set and the referee believes that the striker did not try to play, then the cue ball is not in play.

6. Hitting two balls at the same time
Two balls other than two Reds or a free ball and an object ball may not be hit at the same time by the first contact of the cue ball.

7. Showing color
Any color played or knocked off the table must be spotted before the next stroke is made until the final play under Rule 3(f) of Part 3 begins.
(a) The player cannot be held responsible for any mistake by the referee in spotting any ball.
(b) If a color is erroneously spotted after playing in ascending order of value under Section 3 Rule 3(f)(iii), then it shall be removed from the table without penalty upon discovery of the error and play shall continue.
(c) If a stroke is made while a ball or balls are incorrectly spotted, they will be considered legally spotted for subsequent strokes. Any color wrongfully absent from the table must be fielded:
(i) without penalty when found to be missing due to a previous oversight,
(ii) with a penalty to the player if the striker played before the referee could field the ball.
(d) If a colored is to be fielded and his own spot is occupied, he must be placed on an empty spot on the highest value ball.
(e) If more than one color needs to be fielded and their own spots are occupied, the higher value ball takes precedence in the order of fielding.
(f) If all points are occupied, the colored person must be placed as close as possible to his own point, between that point and the closest part top side.
(g) In the case of Pink and Black, if all dots are occupied and no free space between the corresponding point and the nearest part of the top board, the color must be placed as close as possible to his own point on the center line of the table below the point.
(h) Whenever a color is spotted, it must not touch another ball.
(i) To be spotted correctly, a colored ball must be placed by hand on the spot indicated in these Rules.

8. Touching ball
(a) If the cue ball comes to rest while touching another ball or balls that is or may be on, the referee shall declare a Touching ball and indicate which ball or balls on the cue ball is touching.
(b) When a touching ball is named, the striker must play the cue ball away from that ball without moving it or a push will be called.
(c) If the striker keeps an object ball stationary, there is no penalty if: (i) the ball is on,
(ii) the ball may be on and the striker declares it as such, or
(iii) that ball could be on, but the striker declares another ball on and hits it first.
(d) If the cue ball comes to rest touching or nearly touching a ball not on, the referee, if asked about the contact, must answer “Yes” or “No”. The batter must play away from it without touching it as described above, but must hit a ball on.
(e) When the cue ball touches both a ball on and a ball not on, the referee must only point to the contacting ball on. If the striker asks the referee if the cue ball touches an out of turn ball, he must answer.
(f) If the referee is certain that any movement of the contacting ball at the time of the stroke was not caused by the striker, he shall not call a foul.
(g) If a stationary object ball not touching the cue ball at the time of the referee's check comes into contact with the cue ball before the stroke has been made, the balls must be repositioned by the referee at his discretion.

9. Ball on the edge of the pocket
(a) If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, without taking any part in any stroke, it must be replaced and all points scored must be counted.
(b) If it could have been hit by any ball involved in the hit:
(i) without infringing these Rules, then all balls are replaced and the same stroke is retaken or another stroke is played at the discretion of the same striker,
(ii) with a foul, then the striker shall be penalized, all balls shall be set back and the next player has the normal choice after the foul.
(c) If a ball balances briefly on the edge of a pocket and then falls into it, it is deemed to have fallen into the pocket and is not re-spotted.

10. Snooker after a foul
After a foul, if the cue ball is masked, the referee must call a free ball (see Section 2 Rule 16).
(a) If the next player on his turn decides to take the stroke himself, then
(i) he may order any ball as regular, and
(ii) any ball ordered shall be treated as a regular, acquiring its value, except that, if potted, it must be spotted.
(b) A foul will be declared if the cue ball
(i) fails to strike the nominated ball first, or at the same time as the ball on, or
(ii) will be masked from all Reds or object balls by the ordered free ball, unless only Pink and Black object balls remain on the table.
(c) If a free ball is potted, it is spotted and the value of the ball on is scored.
(d) If a ball on is potted after the cue ball has struck first on the ball on, or on at the same time as the ball on, the ball on is counted and remains off the table.
(e) If a nominated and a ball on are potted, only the ball on is counted, except in the case of Reds on, when the value of each ball potted is counted. The free ball is then spotted and the next ball is left off the table.
(f) If, at the request of an opponent, the offender plays again, the call for a free ball is cancelled.

11. Fouls
If a foul is committed, the referee must call Foul immediately.
(a) If the striker fails to strike, his set ends immediately and the referee must call a penalty.
(b) If a kick has been made, the referee must wait for the kick to be completed before declaring a penalty.
(c) If the foul is not called by the referee and not called by the non-striker before the next stroke is made, then no foul is called.
(d) Any incorrectly spotted color must remain where it is placed, except when it is not on the table when it should be correctly spotted.
(e) All points scored in the series before the foul are scored, but the striker is not awarded any points for any balls potted on the foul stroke.
(f) The next shot is taken from where the cue ball has stopped or is played from the hand if it is off the table.
(g) If more than one foul is committed in a stroke, the highest penalty is assessed.
(h) Player who committed foul
(i) receives the penalty prescribed in Rule 12 below, and
(ii) must take the next stroke if requested by the next player.

12. Fines
All fouls incur a penalty of four points, unless a higher penalty is specified in (a) to (d) below. Penalties are imposed:
(a) In the amount of the value of the ball on for
(i) striking the cue ball more than once,
(ii) striking with both feet off the floor,
(iii) playing out of turn,
(iv) wrong game from the hand, including the initial blow,
(v) cue ball misses all object balls,
(vi) the cue ball falling into the pocket,
(vii) free ball snooker,
(viii) jump,
(ix) playing with a non-standard cue, or
(x) meeting with a partner contrary to Rule 17(e) of Part 3.
(b) In the amount of the value of the ball on or involved, if it is more expensive, for
(i) hit when any ball is not stopped,
(ii) hitting before the referee completes the color display,
(iii) pocketing of an out-of-turn ball,
(iv) first contact of the cue ball on a ball not on,
(v) committing a push,
(vi) touching a ball in play other than the cue ball with a cue stick when making a stroke, or
(vii) knocking a ball off the table.
(c) The value of the ball on or the larger of two balls when the cue ball hits them first simultaneously, except when they are two Reds or a free and a ball on.
(d) Seven points if the striker
(i) uses an off-table ball for any purpose,
(ii) uses any object to measure gaps or distances,
(iii) plays the Reds, or the free ball designated by the Reds, in successive strokes,
(iv) uses any ball other than White as the cue ball to play any stroke since the start of the frame,
(v) makes a mistake in calling a ball on when requested to do so by the referee,
(vi) after potting a Red or a free ball ordered by Red, commits a foul before calling a color.

13. Play again
Once a player has requested an opponent to play again after a foul, such request cannot be withdrawn. The offender who is asked to play again has the right
(a) change your intentions about
(i) what stroke he will take, and
(ii) what next ball he will try to hit,
(b) score points for any ball or balls he may play.

14. Foul and Miss
The batter must, with all his skill, try to hit the ball on. If the referee considers that a Rule has been violated, he shall call a Foul and a Miss, unless there is only one Black ball left on the table or there is a situation where it is not possible to hit another ball. In the latter case, it is assumed that the striker is attempting to hit a ball on, either straight or overboard, hard enough, in the opinion of the referee, to reach the object ball from behind the masking balls.
(a) After a Foul and a Miss has been called, the next player may, at his option, require the offender to play again from the position left or from the original position, in which case the ball on must be the same as it was before the last stroke played, and exactly:
(i) any Red ball when Red is on,
(ii) another color when there are no Reds left on the table,
(iii) a color of the striker's choice when the ball on is a color after potting a Red.
(b) If the striker, in making a stroke, does not first hit a ball on when there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to any part of any ball on or that may be on, the referee shall call a Foul and a Miss, unless any no players need snookers before or as a result of the stroke and the referee is satisfied that the miss was unintentional.
(c) After a miss has been called under (b) above, when there was a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to a ball on, or could be on, such that head-on (full) contact was possible (in the case of Reds, this is the full diameter of any Red , not masked by colors), then:
(i) on a second miss on a ball on, when a stroke is made from the same position, a Foul and a Miss is called regardless of the score difference, and
(ii) if a call is made to play again from the original position, the offender must be warned by the referee that a third miss will result in the opponent winning that frame.
(d) If, after the cue ball has been restored under this Rule to a position where there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to any part of any ball on or may be on, and the striker fouls on any ball, including the cue ball, in preparation for kick is not declared a miss if the kick is not taken. In this case, an appropriate penalty is imposed and
(i) the next player may choose to take the kick himself or require the offender to play again from the position left, or
(ii) the next player may ask the referee to restore the original position and the offender to play again, and
(iii) if the aforementioned situation occurs when consecutive misses are declared, then any warning about the possible awarding of a frame win to his opponent remains in effect.
(e) All other misses are at the discretion of the referee.
(f) After a miss and the request of the next player to recover the cue ball, any object balls that have been moved must remain in place unless the referee considers that the offender can gain or is gaining an advantage. In the latter case, any or all of the moved balls may be replaced at the discretion of the referee and, in any case, colors wrongfully missing from the table must be spotted or moved accordingly.
(g) When any ball moves after a miss, the offender and his opponent may be consulted as to position, after which the referee's decision shall be final.
(h) During such consultation, if any player touches any ball of play, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker, without changing the order of play. The affected ball may be repositioned by the referee, if necessary, at his discretion, even if it has been raised.
(i) The next player may ask the referee about his intentions to move balls other than the cue ball in case he requires an opponent to play a stroke from the original position, and the referee must indicate his intentions.

15. A ball moved by someone other than the batter
If a ball, stationary or moving, is moved by anyone other than the striker, it shall be placed by the referee on the spot where he believes the ball was or might have come to rest, without penalty.
(a) This rule shall include cases where an event or non-strider partner causes the striker to move the ball.
(b) No player may be penalized for any movement of the balls by the referee.

16. Stalemate
If the referee believes that there is or is approaching the table stalemate situation, he must invite the players to immediately replay the frame. If any player objects, the referee must allow play to continue, provided that the situation must change within the designated period, usually after three more strokes on each side, but at the discretion of the referee. If the situation remains substantially unchanged after the stated period has elapsed, then the referee shall void all points and reset all balls as for the start of the frame, and
(a) the same player must take the kick-off again,
(b) the same order of play must be maintained.

17. Snooker for couples
(a) In doubles play, each side shall start frames in turn and the order of play shall be determined at the start of each frame and thereafter maintained for that frame.
(b) Players may change the order of play at the start of each new frame.
(c) If a foul is committed and a call was made to play again, the fouling player shoots again, even if the foul was made outside his turn, and the original order of play is maintained so that the offender's partner may miss his turn.
(d) When a frame ends in a tie, Part 3 Law 4 applies. If there is a need to field Black again, the first hitting pair chooses which of them will make that hit. The order of play must then be stored as in the frame.
(e) Partners may confer during a frame, but not
(i) while one of them is the Striker and is at the table, and
(ii) after the first strike to the batter's approach until the series ends.

18. Use of accessories
It is the responsibility of the batter to place and remove any equipment he may be using at the table.
(a) The striker is responsible for any items, including (but not limited to) coasters and extensions, that he brings to the table, whether they belong to him or are borrowed (except from the referee), and he will be penalized for any fouls committed them when using this equipment.
(b) For equipment normally found at the table that has been provided by another party, including the referee, the striker is not responsible. If this equipment is found to be defective and the striker touches the ball or balls as a result, no foul is called. The referee, if necessary, will swap any balls in accordance with Rule 15 of this section and the striker will be allowed to continue the run without penalty.

19. Interpretation of the rules
(a) Throughout these Rules and Definitions, words implying the masculine gender shall equally apply to and include the feminine gender.
(b) Circumstances may make adjustments to the application of the Rules to persons with disabilities. In particular, for example:
(i) Section 3 Rule 12(a)(ii) shall not apply to players in wheelchairs, and
(ii) the player, upon request to the referee, is required to suggest the color of the ball if he is unable to distinguish between colors such as red and green.
(c) When there is no referee, such as in a friendly game, the opposing player or side may act as referee for the purposes of these Rules.

PART 4. PLAYERS

1. Behavior
When:
(a) the player using a disproportionate amount of time to make or select a kick, or
(b) the behavior of a player which, in the opinion of the referee, is willfully or persistently incorrect, or
(c) any other conduct by a player that is wholly ungentlemanly, or
(d) not continuing the frame,
the judge must, or:
(e) warn the player that if such conduct continues, the frame will be awarded to his opponent, or
(f) award the frame win to his opponent, or
(g) if the conduct is extremely serious, award the game to his opponent.
If the referee has cautioned the player under paragraph (e) above, in the event of continued conduct as discussed above, the referee must either:
(a) award the frame win to the opponent, or
(b) if the further conduct is extremely serious, award the game to his opponent.
If the referee has awarded a frame win to a player's opponent in accordance with the provisions above, in the event that further conduct continues as discussed above, the referee shall award the game win to his opponent.
Any decision by the referee to award a frame and/or game win to a player's opponent must be final and not subject to appeal.

2. Punishment
(a) If a frame is awarded under this Part, the offender:
(i) loses the frame, and
(ii) loses all points scored and the opponent receives points equal to the value of the remaining balls on the table: 8 points for each Red, and any color wrongfully absent from the table counts as being spotted.
(b) If the game is awarded under this Part, the offender:
(i) play the frame as described in (a) above, and
(ii) additionally loses the required number of unplayed frames to complete the game, where applicable, or
(iii) additionally loses the remaining frames, each of 147 points, if the total score applies.

3. Non-hitting
When the Batter is playing, his opponent must avoid being or moving in the Batter's line of sight. He must sit or stand at a reasonable distance from the table.

4. Absence
In the event of his absence from the floor, the non-striker may appoint a representative to oversee his interests and claim a foul if necessary. The judge must be notified of such appointment before leaving.

5. Concession
(a) A player may concede only when he is the Batter. The opponent has the right to accept or refuse the concession, which becomes void if the opponent chooses to continue the game.
(b) When the total score is applied and the frame is conceded, the value of all balls remaining on the table is added to the other side's score. In this case, 8 points are counted for each Red, and any color wrongfully absent from the table is counted as if it was spotted.
(c) A player may not concede a frame in any match unless snookers are needed. Any breach of this Rule shall be penalized as ungentlemanly conduct by a player.

PART 5. OFFICIALS

1. Judge
(a) The referee must:
(i) be the only one who decides whether the game is correct or not,
(ii) be independent in making a decision in the interests of fair play in any situation not fully provided for in these Rules,
(iii) be responsible for the proper conduct of the game under these Rules,
(iv) intervene if he sees any breach of these Rules,
(v) tell the player the color of the ball, if required, and
(vi) clean any ball at the reasonable request of a player.
(b) The referee must not
(i) answer any question not explained in the Rules,
(ii) give any hint that the player is about to make a wrong stroke,
(iii) give advice or opinions that may affect the course of the game, or
(iv) answer any question regarding the account difference.
(c) If the referee fails to notice any episode, he may, at his discretion, question the marker, other officials or spectators who had best review, or view the photo/video footage of the episode to help you make your decision.

2. Marker
The marker must keep score on the scoreboard and assist the referee in the performance of his duties. If necessary, he should also perform the duties of a recorder.

3. Recorder
The recorder shall keep a record of each stroke taken, reporting fouls where appropriate and the number of points scored by each player or side, as required. He must also record the series made.

4. Help from officials
(a) At the request of the striker, the referee or marker must move and hold any lighting equipment that interferes with the striker's stroke.
(b) It is acceptable for a referee or marker to provide the necessary assistance to players with disabilities, as appropriate in the circumstances.

Frame ends:
(a) a concession by any player in turn;

The player should wait for his turn to hit before surrendering the frame ().

(b) at the request of the striker, when only the black ball remains on the table and the score difference is more than seven points in his favor;

Since exactly seven points and no more can be played on the last, black, ball, the player has the right not to continue the game, leading more than seven points in the score.

(c) a final play or foul with only the black ball remaining;
(d) an award by a referee under a rule or rule

2.2. THE GAME

The game consists of a specified or agreed number of frames.

2.3. MATCH

A match consists of a specified or agreed number of games.

2.4. BALLS

(a) The white ball is the cue ball.
(b) 15 Reds and 6 Colors are object balls.

2.5. HATTER AND APPROACH

A player about to make or throwing a kick is the striker and remains so until the last stroke of his set is made or a foul is committed and the referee decides that the player has left the table. If a non-striker approaches the table outside of his approach, he shall be treated as the striker for any foul he may commit before leaving the table. When the referee decides that the above conditions have been met, the next player's turn begins. His approach and right to take another blow ends when:
(a) he does not score after making a stroke; or
(b) he commits a foul; or
(c) he requires the opponent to play again after the opponent has committed a foul.

2.6. HIT

(a) A hit is made when the batter hits the cue ball with the cue stick.
(b) The kick is legal if no infringement of the Rules is committed.
(c) The kick is not over until:
(i) all balls are not stopped;
(ii) the striker did not stand up ready to take the next stroke or did not leave the table;
(iii) any equipment used by the striker has not been retracted to a safe position; and
(iv) the referee did not announce the score relating to the kick.
(d) A hit may be made directly or from the boards, as follows:
(i) A hit is considered a direct hit when the cue ball hits an object ball without hitting the boards first;
(ii) A hit is counted as a side hit when the cue ball strikes one or more of the sides before hitting an object ball.
(e) If the next player, after the last stroke of an opponent's approach, hits/hits the cue-ball before all balls have stopped, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker and his approach ends.

2.7. PLAYING

An object ball is considered played if, after contact with another ball and without any violation of these Rules, it enters a pocket. And this process is called playing.

2.8. SERIES

A series is a set of plays by successive hits (from a cue) made by a player in one of the queues during a frame.

Series (Break) is measured in points scored for playing balls. Usually in tournaments, the biggest series is marked with a prize. Series of 100 or more points are called "Century break", which means a hundred series. A series of 147 points (Maximum break) stands out in particular; to complete it, it is necessary to play a black ball after each red ball (15 times 8 points equals 120) and then 6 color balls (27 points). If the streak starts with a free ball, then this can be worth an additional 8 points (free ball as red plus black), giving a theoretically maximum possible streak of 155 points.

2.9. HAND PLAY

(a) The cue ball is played out of hand
(i) before the start of each frame;
(ii) when he pocketed; or
(iii) being knocked off the table.

(b) The cue ball remains in this state until:
(i) it will not be played legally out of hand;
(ii) no foul will be committed when the ball is already on the table.

If a player, when playing from his hand, placing the cue ball in the sector, makes a mistake (for example, when placing the cue ball he moved yellow), but still holds it in his hand (i.e., the ball is not set), then a foul is declared, and the cue ball must be played again.
If the player sets the cue ball by releasing it from his hand, and then touches the yellow ball, then a foul is declared and the game is played from where the cue ball is.

(c) The striker is considered to be in-hand when the cue-ball is in-hand as described above.

2.10. BALL IN PLAY

(a) The cue ball is in play when not in hand.
(b) Object balls are in play from the start of a frame until they are pocketed or knocked off the table.
(c) Coloreds are back in play when spotted.

2.11. REGULAR BALL

Any ball that is legally playable on the first hit of the cue ball, or that cannot be played in this way but is still playable, is considered on.

2.12. ORDERED BALL

(a) A nominated ball is an object ball which the striker announces or designates in a manner to the satisfaction of the referee and which he commits to play with the first contact of the cue ball.

The ball can be "nominated" (with all your appearance to make it clear which ball will undoubtedly be played), or "declared" (say the color of the ball aloud). If a player aims and clearly hits a free-standing ball, then in case of a foul, the penalty will be at its price. If the player declared - the same. If a foul is committed before a ball is ordered, or a player hits without ordering a ball when everything was completely unclear, then the penalty for the foul is - and only 7! For example, having played red, the player moves along the board, choosing a ball, and at the same time touches any ball with his hand - a penalty of 7 points. The same, if after the played red one drops the chalk and it touches any ball, the penalty is 7 points.

(b) At the request of the referee, the striker must announce which ball he intends to play.

There are cases when it is necessary to declare a ball. Usually, if there are options (colored on the same line), then the player himself will tell the judge about the color, without waiting for the judge to ask him about it. When in doubt, the referee can and should ask the striker to name the color of the ball on. It is mandatory to state the color of the ball when a free ball is played or when snooker is played on the far balls (for example, from reds over the board to beam balls). But after "Foul and Miss" you can change the order and announce another color.

2.13. FREE BALL

The free ball is the ball that the striker calls in as a ball when the cue ball is snookered after a foul ().

2.14. BALL KNOCKED FROM THE TABLE

A ball is knocked off the table if it is not on the playing surface of the table or in a pocket, or if it is picked up by the striker while the ball is in play, except as provided in .

In the game, the striker can make a mistake and take any ball into his hand. This is a foul: the ball taken into the hand is considered out of the game, and the position is not restored. If this ball is colored, then it is put on a point, if the cue ball is played from home, and the red one is put into the pocket. If this action was deliberate, with the goal of gaining a benefit, then the player is punished for unsportsmanlike behavior ().
If the ball stops on the board, then according to the above rule, it is considered to be knocked off the table, because it did not stop on the surface of the table.

2.15. FOUL

Any violation of these Rules is considered a foul.

2.16. SNOOKER

The cue ball is snookered (disguised) if its path in a straight line when making a direct hit on each ball on is completely or partially obstructed by a ball or balls not on.
If it is possible to hit both ends of at least one ball on without interference from out-of-rows, then the cue ball is not in snooker.

For this rule, the cue ball is not in snooker only when there is at least one regular ball on the table, both ends of which can be hit in a straight line without interference from non-on-line balls, i.e., practically to the left and right of the ball must be a corridor even in the diameter of the ball.
Moreover, if other regular balls or boards are interference, then they are not considered as such (when defining snooker, one should mentally imagine that they do not exist).

(a) In out-of-hand play, the cue ball is snookered if it is masked in the manner described above from all possible positions inside the "D" sector or on its line.
(b) If the cue ball is masked by more than one ball out of turn, then
(i) the ball closest to the cue ball is considered to be an effective masking ball, and
(ii) in the case of balls equidistant from the cue ball, all such balls will be considered effective masking balls.

The concept of "effectively" masking ball is used in the rules and part 3.

(c) If red is on and there are reds on the table masked by different non-played balls, then there is no effectively masking ball.

If there are at least two reds masked by different out-of-order balls (i.e. they don't have a masking ball in common), then there is no effectively masking ball.

(d) The striker is snookered when the cue ball is snookered as described above.

(e) The cue ball may not be boarded. If the curved lip of the pocket blocks the cue ball's path more than any of the masking out-of-order balls, then the cue ball is not snookered.

If none of the masking balls is visible from behind the lip of the pocket, then it is considered that there is no snooker.

2.17. BUSY POINT

A point is considered occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without touching another ball.

2.18. PROPIH

A push is made when the cue stick remains in contact with the cue ball:

(a) after the cue ball has already begun its forward movement; or

That is, the player accompanies the cue ball for an unreasonably long time, just starts to "steer" it.

(b) when the cue ball has touched an object ball; but when the cue ball and the object ball are almost touching, the pass will not count if the cue ball hits the very edge of the object ball (i.e. at the limit cut).

Note that the rules do not impose restrictions on the trajectory of the cue ball after a collision with an object ball. For example, it is allowed to roll the cue ball forward to any distance in a situation where the gap between the cue ball and the object ball is less than half the diameter of the ball; upon impact, it is only necessary to ensure the timely stop of the cue at this short distance, which is technically very difficult.

2.19. JUMP

A jump is made if the cue ball flies over any part of the object ball, whether it touches it in the process or not, except:

(a) when the cue ball first hits an object ball and then jumps over another ball;
(b) when the cue ball bounces and hits an object ball but does not land on the far side of that ball;
(c) when, after striking an object ball legally, the cue ball jumps over that ball after hitting a rail or another ball.

2.20. MISS ON THE BALL

A miss is called if the cue ball does not first hit the ball on and the referee believes that the striker did not make a good enough attempt to hit the ball on.

Part 3. GAME

3.1. DESCRIPTION

Snooker can be played by two or more people, team by team or each for himself. The game proceeds as follows:

(a) All players use the same white cue ball and 21 object balls: 15 Reds worth 1 point and 6 colored balls (Yellow worth 2 points, Green - 3, Brown - 4, Blue - 5, Pink - 6 and Black - 7).

(b) In turn, the players make effective shots by alternately playing reds and coloreds until there is not a single red on the table, and then coloreds in ascending order of their value.

(c) Points awarded for scoring hits are added to the striker's score.

(d) Penalty points for fouls are added to the opponent's score.

(e) The tactic used during a frame is to leave the cue ball behind the balls out of turn in such a way as to snooker for the next player. If a player (or side) loses more points than is left on the table, setting snookers in the hope of gaining points from fouls becomes most important.

(f) The winner of the frame is the player (side):
(i) the highest scorer;
(ii) to whom the frame was conceded;
(iii) who was awarded the victory on or .

(g) The winner of the game is the player (side):
(i) winning more or the required number of frames;
(ii) the highest scorer, if total points are taken into account;
(iii) to whom the victory is awarded on .

(h) The winner of a match is the player (or side) who wins the most games or scores the most points, if the total points are taken into account.

3.2. ARRANGEMENT OF BALLS

(a) At the start of each frame, the cue ball is played from hand and the object balls are set as follows:
(i) Reds - in the form of a tight equilateral triangle, the headball as close as possible to the pink without touching it, the base parallel to and close to the far board;
(ii) Yellow - to the right corner of sector "D";
(iii) Green - to the left corner of sector "D";
(iv) Brown - to the middle of the beam line;
(v) Blue - to the center point;
(vi) Pink - on the point of the pyramid;
(vii) Black - to a special point.

The balls are placed in the following order: in turn, all the balls are taken from the pockets (When placing the balls, you should not throw them out of the box or throw them on the cloth so as not to spoil them.), the balls of the beam are placed, then blue, red in the shape of a pyramid, black and finally pink at the top of the pyramid. The distance between pink and head red is checked. It should be as small as possible, but without touching the balls. In practice, the pyramid of reds is set so that the distance between pink and head red is 1–5 mm; and at least pink should not be played into the far corner pockets. You should check if black, pink, blue and brown are on the same line. Before the start of the game, the referee should also make sure that there are dots on the table and that each color can be placed on its spot. If this is not possible due to a defect in the table, the referee must decide where he will place the ball and inform all players of this. The cue ball during installation is under the control of the referee, next to the pyramid. When the referee is satisfied with the set-up, he goes to the near board, announces the score and the starting frame, and puts the cue ball to the board.

(b) After a frame has begun, a ball in play may only be cleared by the referee at the striker's reasonable request, and

(i) the position of the ball, if not on the spot, must be marked by a suitable device before the ball is lifted for cleaning;
(ii) the device used to mark the position of a ball being cleared will be treated as that ball until it is cleared and returned. If any non-striker touches or moves the device, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker, but without changing the order of play. The referee must return the device or ball being cleared to its position at its discretion, even if it has been lifted.

3.3. PROGRESS OF THE GAME

Players determine the order of play by lot or by mutual agreement.

When drawing lots, do not throw a coin on the cloth! A rapidly spinning coin, when dropped, can cut through it. After drawing the initial blow, the referee marks the striker in the protocol with a tick, and then controls the break.

(a) The order of play thus determined shall remain unchanged for the duration of the frame, unless the next player requests to play on after any foul.

(b) The kick-off players(sides) shall alternate in each frame during the game.

If a player takes the kick-off out of turn, he is penalized for playing out of turn.

(c) The first player plays out of hand, the frame begins after the cue ball has been placed on the table and has come into contact with the cue sticker, or
(i) because the kick is made, or
(ii) when addressing the cue ball.

(d) For a kick to be considered legal, none of the infringements described below in .

(e) For the first stroke of each turn, until all Reds have left the table, the red or red-ordered free ball is the ball on, and the value of each red or free ball played counts.

(f)
(i) If a red or red-ordered free ball is potted, the same player plays the next stroke and any color of the striker's choice is on-line; in case of playing the color is counted and exhibited.
(ii) The series continues by potting red and colored balls alternately until all reds have left the table; and as soon as this has happened, a color must be played following the last played red.
(iii) Colored balls then go on in order of increasing value according to the rule ; and when the next color is potted, then it is no longer spotted (except as provided below in Law 4) and the striker plays the next color.

One should not confuse the situation when the ball is played and when it is pocketed. If the next color hit the pocket, but an error occurred during the strike, then it should be put out, since it was not played.

(g) Reds are not re-potted on the table once pocketed or knocked off the table, even though the player may thus benefit from a foul. Exceptions to this rule are provided in the rules , , and .

Although red balls are not exposed, but if a player, breaking the rules in the hope of gaining a profit, deliberately knocks out the "extra" balls for him from the table not by hitting (but, for example, simply pushing them into the pocket with a cue or hand), then he is punished not only foul and subject to more severe sanctions for unsportsmanlike conduct, up to and including disqualification. Snooker is a gentleman's game!

(h) If the striker fails to score or commits a foul, then it is the next player's turn to play from where the cue ball has stopped, or from the hand if the cue ball is not on the table.

3.4. END OF FRAME, GAME AND MATCH

(a) When only black is left on the table, the first hit or foul ends the frame unless both of the following conditions are met:

(i) the score is tied and
(ii) the total score does not count.

(b) When both of the conditions described in (a) above occur:
(i) black is fielded again;
(ii) players draw lots to decide the order of play;
(iii) the next player takes a kick;
(iv) the next hit or foul ends the frame.

(c) If the winner of a game or match is determined by the total score and both sides are tied at the end of the last frame, then the players in that frame must follow the procedure for showing black in (b) above.

(d)* (i) If, at the end of any series, after a player has left the table, only the colored balls and the cue ball remain in play (it is not in hand) and the score has become such that four (4) snookers or more are required, the referee shall award defeat in that frame to the player who needs those snookers.
(ii) This rule does not apply in the last frame if the frame scores are tied.

3.5. HAND PLAY

To play out of hand, the cue ball must be placed inside the "D" sector or on its line; you can play on any regular ball in any direction.

You can play on regular balls located in the "D" sector, as well as play them in any pockets.

(a) The referee must answer, if asked by the striker, whether the cue ball is properly placed in the "D" quadrant.

(b) If the cue stick touches the cue ball when it is set and the referee believes that the striker did not try to hit, then the cue ball is not yet in play.

When playing from the hand, the cue ball can be set with a cue stick and even touch it with a sticker, but only if there was no attempt to strike or aim.

3.6. HIT TWO BALLS SIMULTANEOUSLY

The cue ball cannot be played with the first touch on two balls at the same time, other than two reds or a free and a ball on.

3.7. EXHIBITION OF COLOR

Any color pocketed or knocked off the table must be spotted until the next stroke is made, until the final play under the rule begins.

(a) The player is not responsible for any mistake by the referee when spotting any ball.

(b) If a color is erroneously spotted after playing in ascending order of value according to , then, upon discovery of the error, it shall be removed from the table without penalty and play shall continue.

(c) If a stroke is made while a ball or balls are incorrectly spotted, they will be considered legally spotted for subsequent strokes. Any color wrongfully absent from the table must be fielded:

(i) without penalty when found to be missing due to a previous oversight;
(ii) with a penalty if the striker played before the referee could physically field the ball.

A player is not penalized for playing with incorrectly spotted colors, unless he has played so quickly (intentionally or impulsively) that the referee simply has not had time to spot the ball and has not yet announced the series value after the color was potted.

(d) If a colored is to be spotted and his own spot is occupied, he should be placed on the free spot of the highest value ball.

(e) If there is more than one color to field and their own spots are occupied, the higher value ball shall take precedence in the spotting order.

(f) If all spots are occupied, the colored person must be placed as close as possible to his own spot, between that spot and the nearest part of the outboard.

If all points are occupied, then the ball is placed strictly up from its point or, in the absence of space there, down. For example, the cue ball, after playing brown, stopped near its point, when the ball is placed, snooker will result, unless, of course, there are no reds in the beam.

(g) In the case of pink or black showing, if all the spots are occupied and there is no space available between the corresponding spot and the nearest part of the outboard, the color must be placed as close as possible to his own spot on the center line of the table below the spot.

(h) Whenever a color is spotted, it must not touch another ball.

(i) The fielded color ball must be placed manually in the spot designated in these Rules.

3.8. CONTACTING BALL

(a) If the cue ball comes to rest touching another ball(s) that is or could be on, the referee shall call "Ball in Contact" and indicate which ball(s) on the cue ball is touching.

If the cue ball touches several red balls that are on at that moment, the referee must announce them all and point at each of them with a vertically directed finger. In this case, it announces "Balls in Touch" rather than a ball.

(b) When a touching ball is named, the striker must play the cue ball from that ball without setting it in motion; otherwise, the push will be fixed.

If the cue ball touches the ball, then you must play away from it. A blow even at the limit of cutting in this situation will be considered a push. If this ball is on, then it is considered that the hit on the ball occurred immediately after the cue ball came off. Therefore, if, for example, the cue ball jumps over another ball when hit away from it, then there will be no jump.

(c) If the striker does not cause the touching ball to move, there is no penalty if:
(i) that ball is on;
(ii) the ball may be on and the striker declares it as such; or
(iii) the ball could have been on, but the striker calls another ball on and hits it first.

If, on a valid hit, the contacting ball moves, for example, by rolling into a hole in the table surface, then there is no fault (rule (f) below).

(d) If the cue ball comes to rest touching or nearly touching a ball that is not on, the referee, if asked about the contact, must answer “Yes” or “No”.
The batter must play from him without touching, but first you need to hit the next ball.

(e) If the cue ball touches a ball on and a ball not on, the referee must indicate only the ball on as being in contact. If the striker asks the referee if the cue ball is also touching an out of turn ball, he must answer.

(f) If the referee considers that any movement of the contacting ball at the time of the stroke was not caused by the striker, he shall not call a foul.

(g) If a stationary object ball not touching the cue ball at the time of the referee's check comes into contact with the cue ball before the stroke has been made, the balls must be reset by the referee at his discretion. This also applies to a touching ball that has ceased to touch the cue ball during the referee's check; all balls must be repositioned by the referee at his discretion.

3.9. BALL ON THE EDGE OF THE POUCH

(a) If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball and would not have taken part in the stroke in any way, it must be replaced and all points scored shall be scored.

(b) If, as a result of a stroke, any ball involved in that stroke could have hit him, and this happened:
(i) without violating these Rules, then all balls are replaced and the same striker may retake the stroke or take another stroke at his discretion;
(ii) with a foul, then the offender incurs the prescribed penalty, all balls are put back in and the next player has the normal choice after the foul.

If the foul was caused directly by the pocketing of an edged ball, there is no penalty and Rule 9(b)(i) applies. For example, another red is on the edge, it is played with a pull, but it falls into the pocket during the strike, and as a result, the cue ball flies there. There is no foul here, and the position is restored.
The same situation, but the player hits a little inaccurately, and the cue ball would still not hit the ball; then a foul is declared, the ball returns to the edge, and the game continues.

(c) If a ball balances briefly on the edge of a pocket and then falls into it, it must be considered to have entered the pocket and is not re-spotted.

When the ball "hovered" over the pocket, then they expect it to fall for about 4-5 seconds: if the ball falls, it counts, if not, the transition to the next hit.

3.10. SNOOKER AFTER A FOUL

If the cue ball is snookered after a foul, the referee must call "Free Ball" (see ).
(a) If the next player in turn chooses to take the kick himself, then
(i) he may order any ball as regular and
(ii) the ordered ball must be treated as a ball on, acquiring its value and status, except that, if potted, it must be spotted.

(b) A foul will be declared if the cue ball
(i) fails to hit the nominated ball first or at the same time as the ball on, or
(ii) will be effectively masked by the ordered free ball unless only the pink and black balls are left on the table.

(c) If a free ball is potted, it is spotted and the value of the ball on is scored.

(d) If a ball on is played after the cue ball has first struck a ball on, or on the ball on, the ball on is counted and remains off the table.

(e) If both the nominated and the ball on are potted, only the ball on is counted; but if the next ball was red, then the value of each ball played is counted. The free ball is then spotted and the next ball is left off the table.

For the offender, there is no free ball, but for his opponent, the free ball is an additional opportunity to benefit from the violation.

3.11. FOULS

If a foul is committed, the referee must call Foul immediately.

An ethical player should admit to a mistake, of course, if he himself is sure of it, since sometimes it may simply seem that he was mistaken; in this case, let the judge decide.

(a) If the striker fails to strike, his turn ends immediately and the referee must call a penalty.

If, after calling a foul and a penalty (which may immediately cause the turn of the stroke to change), the player who committed the error still shoots, then he may be penalized again for playing out of turn under the rule.

(b) If a stroke has been made, the referee will wait until the stroke is completed before declaring a penalty.

(c) If the foul is not called by the referee and called by the non-striker before the next stroke is made, the foul is forgiven.

(d) Any incorrectly displayed color must remain where placed; but if it is not on the table, then it must be correctly exposed.

(e) All points scored in the series before the foul are scored, but the striker does not receive any points for any pocketed balls on the foul stroke.

(f) The next shot is taken from where the cue ball has stopped, and if it is off the table, it is played from the hand.

(g) If more than one foul is committed on a stroke, the highest penalty is assessed.

(h) The player who committed the foul
(i) receives a penalty prescribed in , and
(ii) must take the next stroke if requested by the next player.

3.12. PENALTIES

All fouls will incur a penalty of four points, unless a higher penalty is specified in paragraphs (a) to (d) below.

The penalty is imposed in the following amount.

(a) In the amount of the value of the ball on for:
(i) hitting the cue ball more than once;

Hitting the cue ball more than once usually occurs with a kick or push.

(ii) hitting the cue ball with both feet off the floor;

Until the cue ball has come off the sticker when it is hit, at least one foot must touch the floor (only with the toe of the shoe), unless the player is playing in a wheelchair. But after tearing off the cue ball from the sticker, you can jump on the floor or, slipping, even hang on the table.

(iii) playing out of turn;

The situation may arise when playing a pair against a pair, when the blow is taken by the wrong partner; at the opening kick or when, after a foul, the opponent takes position, and the offender does not understand this and plays himself.

(iv) improper in-hand play, including a kick-off;

For example, when hit, the cue ball was set outside the “D” sector.

(v) cue ball misses all object balls;
(vi) pocketing the cue ball;
(vii) free ball snooker;
(viii) jump;
(ix) playing with an abnormal cue;
(x) meeting with a partner in spite of .

(b) In the amount of the value of the ball on or affected, if it is more expensive, for:
(i) striking when not all balls have stopped moving;
(ii) striking before the referee completes the color display;
(iii) pocketing a ball not on;
(iv) first contact of the cue ball on a ball not on;
(v) push;
(vi) touching a ball other than the cue ball with a cue stick when making a stroke;
(vii) knocking a ball off the table.

(c) In the amount of the value of the ball on or the greater of the two balls, if hit by the cue ball at the same time, except when it is two reds or a free and a ball on.

(d) Seven points if the striker:
(i) uses an off-table ball for any purpose;

(ii) uses any object to measure gaps or distances;

No measurement items can be used. For example, you can't mark the direction of a shot from the boards with chalk by placing it on the boards, or use a ball that has already been played to check if the cue ball will go between the ball and the boards.

(iii) plays red after potting a red or free ball on successive strokes;

If the striker plays a color, but on the way to him the cue ball slightly touches the red, then in this case the penalty is assigned in the usual manner, i.e. it will be maximum only if the next ball was black.

(iv) uses any ball other than white as the cue ball to take any stroke immediately after the start of the frame;

That is, when touching any object ball with a sticker.

(v) makes a mistake in declaring the ball to be ordered when requested to do so by the referee;

The batter is penalized with a maximum penalty if he does not declare another ball when the referee requires it or the situation dictates! For example, it is necessary to order a ball if the colored ones are on the same stroke line or a free ball is played.

(vi) after potting a red or a free ball called red commits a foul before calling a color.

Once a player has requested an opponent to play again after a foul or has requested the ball(s) to be moved after a Foul and Miss call, such request cannot be withdrawn. The offender, who is invited to continue playing, has the right to:
(a) change your intentions about
(i) what stroke he will play; and
(ii) which ball on he will try to hit;
(b) score points for any ball or balls he may play.

3.14. INTENTIONAL MISS

The striker, to the best of his abilities, must make an effort to hit the next ball. If the referee considers that a Rule has been violated, he shall call a Foul and a Miss, unless there is only one black ball left on the table or there is a situation where it is not possible to hit another ball.

When applying the ball miss rule, it should be borne in mind that it should not serve as a source of points in a situation where the opponent is in a difficult position, but to prevent his careless and especially dishonest play when leaving difficult situation. Here, unfair play is understood as an attempt by a player, having violated the rule (the player does not try to hit the next ball with the first touch) and having received a minimum penalty, to avoid gaining a position to the opponent.

In the latter case, the striker must be considered to be trying to hit the ball on, but on the condition that he plays directly or from the boards in the direction of the ball with a force, in the opinion of the referee, sufficient to reach the ball due to masking balls.

For example, one of the following positions arose: the cue ball stopped at the edge of the pocket and an out-of-order ball rolled up to it, blocking all the paths, or the cue ball fell into a cluster of reds so that there was not a single crack for passage to the colored ones. What then? The referee does not call a “Miss” if the player strikes with the required force and in a trajectory as close as possible to that which the cue ball would have taken to reach the target if it were not for interference. That is, not just touching the cue ball or shoving it anywhere.

(a) Once a Foul and a Miss has been called, the next player may, at his discretion, require the offender to play on from the abandoned position or from the original position; in the latter case, the ball on must be the same as before the last stroke made, namely:

(ii) colored when there are no reds left on the table;
(iii) a color of the striker's choice when the color on was a color after potting a red.

(b) If, in making a stroke, the striker fails to first hit a ball on from a position where there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to any part of any ball that is or may be on, the referee shall call a Foul and Miss if only
(i) no penalty points are required by either player before or as a result of the kick; (see (b)(ii))
(ii) either before or after the stroke, the number of points on the table equals the difference in score, not including the value of the black ball re-spotted and the referee is satisfied that the miss was unintentional.

(c) After a Miss has been declared under paragraph (b) above, when there was a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to a ball that is or could be on, such that a frontal impact was possible (in the case of Reds, the full diameter of any red not masked color), then:
(i) a repeated failure to hit a ball on while making a stroke from the same position shall be declared a Foul and a Miss regardless of the score difference, and
(ii) if it is requested to play again from the original position, the offender must be warned by the referee that a third unsuccessful attempt will result in the opponent winning the frame.

(d) If, after the cue-ball has been recovered under this rule, the striker fouls on any ball, including the cue-ball, in preparation for a stroke, no miss shall be declared if the stroke was not taken. In this case, the corresponding penalty is assessed and the ball on must be the same as before the last stroke made, namely:
(i) any red ball when the ball on was red;
(ii) another color when there are no reds left on the table,
(iii) a color of the striker's choice when the color on was a color after potting a red;
and
(iv) the next player may choose to take the stroke himself or require the offender to play again from the position left;
(v) the next player may ask the referee to restore the original position and the offender to play again;
(vi) if the aforementioned situation occurs when consecutive misses are declared, then any warning about the possible awarding of a frame win to his opponent remains in effect.

(e) All other misses are at the discretion of the referee unless, before or after the stroke, the number of points on the table equals the difference in score, not including the value of the black ball being re-spotted.

In what cases should you declare "Miss" automatically:

1. The strike was too quiet. The player tends to only lightly touch the object ball, slightly roll up to it, so as not to give up position. The intent is there. Therefore, if the cue ball has not even reached a fraction of a millimeter, “Foul and Miss” follows with all the ensuing consequences.
2. Hit too hard. The player aims from the board at a separate ball in the active position. He hits hard to get the ball out of a good position and roll the cue ball further away. But it is known that any increase in impact increases the error. Therefore, if you missed on a strong blow - “Miss”. It must be remembered that just to hit the ball from the board, the player makes a calm, measured blow.
3. There is a group of regular balls on the table, which is not difficult to hit, but you can play the position. Therefore, the player seeks to hit a separate ball, for example, at the side.
4. It is possible to play from one board, but the player plays from two boards in order to hit the object ball far away. This means that if a more difficult way out of snooker is chosen, then in case of a miss - also “Foul and miss”. It also happens that the simplest way is a dribble shot, and the player tries to hit from two or three boards. Same.
5. The player pocketed a red, but the cue ball was buried in a cluster of reds. You can play black from the board, but the cue ball will remain near the reds and an attack may follow. Therefore, the player hits, for example, on green (if he hits, then the opponent plays from afar, and if he misses, then the penalty is no longer 7, but only 4). The trick is clear, which means - "Miss".
6. On the way to the next ball, the cue ball touches any ball. This is undeniably "Miss", because. wrong trajectory. Bay otherwise.
7. The obligatory "Miss" follows a frankly careless, unprepared blow or a blow in the hearts, with anger. (Here the judge is obliged for educational purposes to announce a miss, even if someone needs snooker!)

(f) After a miss and a request by the next player to reposition the cue ball, any object balls moved must remain in place unless the referee considers that this would give the offender an advantage. In the latter case, any or all of the moved balls may be replaced at the referee's discretion; but in any case, colors wrongfully absent from the table must be displayed or moved in an appropriate manner.

How to restore the position? Here the qualification of the arbitrator is important. If the player bet snooker, then the referee, as if by chance, should look how close the cue ball is to the nearest masking ball and where the line connecting the cue ball to this ball leads. If they are close, then you need to evaluate where the player hits past this ball (for example, how close to the middle pocket). This helps to restore the position later. Note that this must be done by chance, otherwise the judge puts pressure on the player with his actions, assuming in advance his possible mistake. Balls are restored approximately, but the cue ball and the nearest ball, as well as the next ball, must be restored as accurately as possible. If the reds rolled, then they are going to the same size group and so that the extreme reds go or do not go into the pocket, as before the attempt. If the red at the same time fell into the pocket, then it goes and is installed in its original place (this is a rare case when the fallen red is restored). Players may make adjustments to the position of the balls when re-establishing position, but they may not touch any of the balls. If there are disagreements between the players on the restoration of the position, the referee himself makes the final decision.

(g) When any ball moves after a miss, both players are then consulted as to its position, after which the referee must make the final decision.

(h) If any player touches any ball of play during such consultation, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker, but without changing the order of play. The affected ball must be replaced by the referee if necessary at his own discretion, even if it has been raised.

(i) The next player may ask the referee about his intention to move balls other than the cue ball in the event that he requests an opponent to play a stroke from the original position, and the referee must indicate his intentions.

The following rule applied in amateur snooker in 2004.
14.1 *
When a Foul and Miss is called twice in a row in a full snooker situation and the offender is forced to play again from the original position, he must be warned by the referee that if a Foul and Miss is called a third time, the next player will have the choice of:
(i) Require the offender to play from where the cue ball has stopped;
(ii) Play yourself from the established position;
(iii) Play in hand with all balls remaining on the table.
(a) When a "Foul and Miss" is called, the offender must, on each attempt, demonstrate that he is making a genuine effort to hit a ball on. If this condition is violated, the judge must apply , or .

3.15. BALL DISPLACED BY A NON-HICKER

If a ball, stationary or moving, is moved by a non-striker, it shall be placed by the referee, without penalty, back on the spot where he believes the ball was or where it would have landed.
(a) This rule shall include cases where an event or a person who is not the striker's partner causes the striker to move the ball.
(b) No player may be penalized for any movement of the balls by the referee.

3.16. Stalemate

If the referee believes that a stalemate has occurred on the table (or the situation is approaching it), then he should invite the players to immediately replay the frame. If any player objects, the referee must allow play to continue on the condition that the situation must change within the stated discretion of the referee. If the situation remains substantially unchanged after the stated period has elapsed, then the referee shall void all points and reset all balls as for the start of the frame, and:
(a) the same player must take the kick-off;
(b) the same order of play must be followed.

3.17. SNOOKER FOR FOUR

(a) Each side shall start frames in rotation, order of play determined at the beginning of each frame and thereafter to be followed for the duration of that frame.

(b) Players may change the order of play at the start of each frame.

(c) If a foul is committed and play is requested, the fouling player shall shoot again (even if the foul was made while playing out of turn) and the original order of play remains such that the offender's partner may lose their turn to strike.

(d) When a frame ends in a tie, then . If it is necessary to put up black again, the pair taking the first hit has the right to choose the player who will make this hit. The order of play must then be stored as in a frame.

(e) Partners may confer during a frame, but
(i) not while either of them is the batter and is at the table, and
(ii) not after the first hit in the batter's turn for the remainder of the series.

3.18. USE OF ACCESSORIES

It is the responsibility of the batter to place and remove any equipment that he may use at the table.
(a) The striker is responsible for any equipment, including (but not limited to) clippers and extension cords, that he brings to the table, whether it belongs to him or is borrowed (except from the referee); he will be penalized for any fouls made while using this equipment.
(b) For equipment provided by another party (including the referee) and normally found at the table, the striker is not responsible. If that equipment is found to be defective and thus causes the striker to touch the ball or balls, then no foul will be called. The referee will re-place any balls as needed and the batter will be allowed to continue the run without penalty.

3.19. INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES

(a) Throughout these rules and definitions, words implying the masculine gender shall equally apply to and include the feminine gender.

(b) Circumstances may require regulation of how the Rules apply to people with disabilities. In particular, for example:
(i) the rule may not apply to players in wheelchairs;
(ii) the player, upon request to the referee, must be told the color of the ball if he is unable to distinguish between colors, eg red and green.

(c) When no referee has been appointed for a game, such as in social game, the opposing player (or side) must act as referee for the purposes of these Rules.

When no referee is appointed, his role is played by the opponent. He exposes the balls, counts the series, naming its value aloud after each play, and determines the fouls. At the same time, he should behave like a referee: not interfere with the kick, not be in the field of view of the hitter, not escalate the situation by looking intently, and whether the player is going to commit a foul, for example, by touching the ball with his hand.
The scoreboard is marked only after the end of the series. It is recommended to mark the score with two instead of one slider. This is necessary so that the accidentally shifted slider of one player does not interfere with restoring the score when setting the score of another. Still, it's harder to move two at once.

Part 4. PLAYERS

4.1. WASTING TIME

If the referee believes that a player is using too much time to make or select a stroke, he must warn the player that he will be required to award the frame win to his opponent.

4.2. UNSPORTS BEHAVIOR

For refusing to continue a frame or for persistently and willfully misbehaving in the opinion of the referee, including continuing to waste time after a warning under Law 1 or ungentlemanly conduct, the player is awarded the loss of that frame and the referee must warn him that if such conduct continues, then he will lose the game.

4.3. SANCTIONS

(a) If a frame is awarded under rule 2 of this part, the offender:
(i) loses the frame and
(ii) loses all points scored and the opponent receives points equal to the value of the remaining balls on the table: 8 points for each red, and any color wrongfully absent from the table must be counted as if it had been spotted.

(b) If the game is awarded on the basis of , the offender:
(i) play the frame as described in (a) above, and
(ii) additionally loses the required number of frames to complete the game if frames are applied, or
(iii) additionally loses the remaining frames 147 to 0 if total score applies.

4.4. Striker's Opponent

When the batter is playing, his opponent must avoid standing or moving on the line of sight. He must sit or stand at a reasonable distance from the table.

4.5. OUT OF THE HALL

If the non-striker leaves the premises for a time, he may appoint his representative, who will protect his interests and, if necessary, call for a foul. The referee must be notified of such appointment before leaving.

4.6. CONCESSION

(a) A player may concede only when he is the striker. The opponent has the right to accept or refuse a concession; it becomes void if the opponent wants to continue the game.

Refusing to concede makes sense only if the difference in points in the frame is important.

(b) When the total score is applied and the frame is conceded, the value of all balls remaining on the table is added to the other side's score. In such a case, each red must be counted as 8 points, and any color wrongfully absent from the table must be counted as if it had been spotted.

Part 5. OFFICIALS

5.1. REFEREE

(a) The referee must:
(i) be the only one who decides whether the game is correct or not;
(ii) be independent in making a decision in the interests of fair play in any situation not fully covered by these Rules;
(iii) be responsible for the proper conduct of the game under these Rules;
(iv) intervene if he sees any violation of these Rules;
(v) tell the player the color of the ball, if required;
(vi) clean any ball at the reasonable request of a player.

(b) The referee must not:
(i) answer any question not covered by the Rules;
(ii) make any indication that the player is about to commit a foul;
(iii) give advice or express opinions that may affect the course of the game;
(iv) answer any question regarding the account difference.

(c) If the referee has not observed any episode, he may, at his discretion, interview the marker, other officials or spectators who had the best view, or view a photo/video recording of the episode to help make his decision.

5.2. MARKER

The marker must keep score on the scoreboard and assist the referee in the performance of his duties. If necessary, he should also perform the duties of a secretary.

5.3. SECRETARY

The scorer must keep a record of each stroke taken, recording the fouls and the number of points scored by each player or side. He should also make a note about the size of the series.

5.4. ASSISTANCE OF OFFICIALS

(a) At the striker's request, the referee or marker must remove and hold in position any lighting fixture that interferes with the striker's stroke.

(b) It is acceptable for a referee or marker to provide the necessary assistance to players placed at a disadvantage under the circumstances.

Part 6. MODIFIED REGULATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABLED

In addition to existing Rules for players playing wheelchairs, the following provisions are made:

1. They must remain seated.
2. They should keep their feet on a footrest or footrest some distance from the floor.

Additional Information

For more information about the rules, as well as refereeing and tournaments, please contact the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (at English language) by the address:
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
27 Oakfield road Clifton
Bristol BS8 2AT UK

© Translation into Russian by Alexey Anatolyevich Pavlov
© Comments of international judge Vladimir Sinitsyn

The game was invented in India in 1875. The game turned out to be more difficult than the well-known "American" and "pyramid". Arouses interest more in the complex movements of the balls than in winning.

Previously, snookers were called first-year cadets who had no worldly experience. And then one day in the game, one of the officers, Neville Chamberlain, called this word his partner, who found himself in a difficult situation and did not know how to get out of it. He had to play a colored ball, which was closed by others. This position in billiards and began to be called "snooker".

Then this game moved to England, but did not become popular until 1920, when Joe Davis appeared. He introduced cue ball control and ball scoring, which made the game much more difficult. In addition to pocketing the balls, now it was necessary to keep an eye on the cue ball.

Snooker became especially popular in the 60s. Color television played a big role in this and two players - Ray Reardon and John Spencer, who arranged demonstration games, driving around England. Then "snooker" developed as a sport. Competitions began to be held, expensive prizes were established for the winners, which attracted a new generation of players. In 1980-1981, Steve Davies became the first British champion. He improved the game and after a while he won the world championship. This athlete is still considered one of the strongest players.

Soon the Japanese, Chinese, Americans began to play snooker. New talents appeared - John Parot, Neil Foulds, Stephen Hendry.

In 1973, the International Organization of Billiards and Snooker was created. Since 1985, it has become the governing body.

Snooker is played on the same table as billiards, with only 22 balls - 15 red, 6 colored and 1 white cue ball. On the same table, "snooker" can be played not only by two, but also by several players. The principle of hit order is simple: if the hit does not bring winning points, the next player hits.

Snooker table: The game is played on English tables measuring 12x6 feet (3569x1778 mm) or 10x5 feet, ball diameter - 52.4 mm.

Number of players: Two.

Snooker ball set: 15 red balls, 6 colored balls and a white cue ball.

Colored balls have a certain point value: red - 1, yellow - 2, green - 3, brown - 4, blue - 5, pink -6, black - 7.

Purpose of the game: You need to score more points than your opponent.

Account management: Points are scored when the balls are played correctly, receiving the appropriate amount according to the color of the balls; the opponent's penalty points are added. The game ends according to the rules of the game after all the balls have been played. But if there is only one black ball left, then it is played until the first pocket or the first violation.

1. Kickoff

The right to choose the order of strokes in the first set is determined by lot or draw. The initial blow is made with a hand from the sector (see picture). The cue ball must touch the red ball, otherwise a penalty is imposed. Penalty points are awarded to the incoming player, who can play himself out of the situation or ask the opponent to retake the kick.

2. Mis-potted balls

Incorrectly pocketed red balls are not exposed. Incorrectly pocketed colored balls are exposed.

3. Showing the balls

Red balls are not exposed. Colored balls are put on their marks. If the mark is occupied, then put on a free mark corresponding to the ball of the highest value. If all the marks are occupied, then the colored ball is placed as close as possible to the original mark from the tailgate. If it is impossible to place a pink or black ball on the indicated place, then they should be placed closer to their point, but towards the middle of the table.

4. Popped up object balls

Jumped red balls are not exposed, but colored balls are exposed, and a penalty is imposed.

5. Balls played

Balls are considered to be potted (potted) if they fall into the pockets as a result of a legal hit. The ball that is reflected from the pocket onto the playing surface of the table remains in the game. An object ball that falls into a pocket as a result of intentionally rolling it over the side of the board is not counted and fielded in accordance with the rules of the particular game, and there is no penalty.

6. Popped cue ball

When the cue ball jumps out, the opponent entering the game plays with his hand from the sector. In this case, you can score any of the next balls.

7. Snooker (mask)

Cue ball in snooker position (disguised) - if it is not possible to make a direct hit on any of the object balls in progress. If a direct hit is possible on at least one of the object balls, then there is no snooker.

8. Touching balls

Two balls touch each other tightly. In this case, the blow is applied away from the center line connecting the centers of the two balls. Otherwise, the blow is erroneous (push).

9. Ball miss

In case of a miss on the ball, the cue ball is declared a penalty. The player entering the game can accept the current position or invite the offender to play from the original position, i.e. repeat hit.

10. Free ball

If the cue ball is in snooker position after the infringement, a "free ball" is declared. If the opponent assumes this position and shoots, he may declare any ball on. The cost of the declared ball is equal to the cost of the next one (which should have been hit). A penalty is imposed if the cue ball misses the declared ball or the cue ball is masked by a free ball after the stroke, unless only the pink and black balls remain on the table. If a free ball is played into a pocket, then it is exposed, and the cost of the next ball is credited to the player. If the next ball is played, then its cost is counted to the player. If both a free ball and a regular ball are played, then only the cost of the regular ball is counted. ("Snooker different". The cue ball is in the "snooker different" position.)

11. Staging for the lip

The cue ball is considered to be placed behind the lip of the pocket if the boards do not allow a direct hit with the cue ball on any of the balls in progress. If the cue ball is placed behind the lip after the violation, then the opponent either takes this position and makes a blow, or makes a blow from the hand from the sector.

12.Miss

If a player can hit an object ball or part of it with a direct hit by his ability, but does not hit, then the referee declares a miss. After a miss is determined, the cue ball is placed in its previous position, unless this situation is beneficial to the player who made the mistake. After restoring the previous position of the ball (or balls), the opinions of the players are heard, but the word of the referee is decisive.

13. Hanging balls

• - if the ball hit the pocket not as a result of a collision, then it is put in its original place;
• - if during the stroke the player makes a mistake, then the opponent gets points and each ball is put back in its original place.

14. Mistakes

• - after an error, the opponent plays from the place where the cue ball has stopped;
• - if several mistakes are made during the strike, then the opponent receives points for the worst of them;
• - after a mistake, at the request of the opponent, the player must continue to beat;
• - in the case of a miss, the player must shoot from the restored position.

15. Penalties for violations

For the following violations, a fine is imposed in the prescribed amount, but not less than 4 points.

• 1. In the amount of the cost of the next ball, if:
  • the balls did not stop before striking;
  • inflicting several blows on the cue ball;
  • there was a separation of both legs from the floor;
  • the blow was made out of turn;
  • illegal kick from the sector;
  • miss on aiming balls;
  • the cue ball fell into the pocket;
  • with a free choice of the ball, the cue ball was still in the "snooker" position;
  • the cue ball is hit-jumped (i.e. the cue ball jumps over any ball before hitting the object ball).
• 2. In the amount of the value of the object ball or more of value associated with the infringement, if:
  • an out-of-order ball hit the pocket;
  • the cue ball did not hit the object ball;
  • a kick-push was performed;
  • the player has touched the balls with anything other than a cue stick;
  • the ball went overboard.
• 3. In the amount of the cost of the next ball or the corresponding 2 balls(whichever is greater): when the cue ball hits these two balls at the same time, except in the case of 2 reds or a free choice.
• 4. In the amount of seven points, if:

  a mistake was made after the red ball was drawn, but before the color ball was ordered;

  any ball is used other than for the game;

  played on red when color is next;

  any ball is used instead of the cue ball.

Snooker- most difficult game pocket billiards, the game is played according to specific rules. The goal of the game is to score more points than the opponent, and the balls must fall into the pockets in a certain sequence.

Snooker table location

Orb Locations (click on image to enlarge)

Snooker is played on a rectangular table that measures 3.57 meters long, 1.78 meters wide, 88 centimeters high, and has a side height of 4 centimeters. There are 6 pockets on the table - 4 at the corners of the table and 2 in the middle of the long sides. The sizes of pockets are strictly regulated. Cloth is stretched over the surface of the table, most often green.

The near part of the playing table, from which the players start the frame, is divided into 2 parts, at a distance of 29 inches from the near short board there is a straight line laid perpendicular to the two lines of long boards and parallel to the line of the short board. On this line, called the bolt line, is sector D. It is a semicircle drawn closer to the short bead and centered in the middle of the bolt line with a radius of 11 inches.

Ball arrangement

The balls on the snooker table are placed as shown. First of all, you need to install a pyramid consisting of 15 red balls. When installing the pyramid, you need to focus on the pink ball. The pyramid is fitted to the pink ball, the top ball of the pyramid should be at the minimum possible distance from the pink ball, while it should not touch it. Then all the other balls are set to their marks. The yellow ball is placed on the mark in the right corner of sector D, the green ball is placed in the left corner of sector D, the brown ball is placed on the mark in the middle, between the yellow and green balls. The blue ball is placed in the center of the table, the pink ball leads the pyramid of red balls, and the black ball is placed on the mark behind the pyramid of red balls closer to the far short board. After that, you can start the game. The kick-off cue ball is placed at any point in sector D.
Snooker is played with a cue, the length of which must not be shorter than 914 millimeters. In addition to the cue, the player has the right to use all kinds of auxiliary tools, such as: rest, which allows you to play a ball that is in a difficult position, cue and rest extensions and other auxiliary equipment.
Before the game, 22 balls are presented to the players on the gaming table: 15 red, 6 colored and 1 white ball - cue ball.

Price of snooker balls:

red - 1 point,
yellow - 2 points,
green - 3 points,
brown - 4 points,
blue - 5 points,
pink - 6 points,
black - 7 points.

The balls on the table must be located in a certain position, as shown in the picture. The snooker balls are 52.5mm in diameter. The game is played with a cue ball - a white ball, that is, a player's cue can only come into contact with a white ball. Before the start of the game frame, the opponents must decide which of them will break the pyramid, for this they most often use a coin. The game begins with breaking a pyramid of red balls with a cue ball. Players must put the balls into the pockets in a certain sequence, the first ball that the player must pocket is red, after which the player pockets any of the 6 colored balls, then he repeats this sequence until the red balls are on the game table . After pocketing a colored ball, if there are red balls on the table, the colored ball is placed on its mark, if the mark of the colored ball is blocked by another ball, then the colored ball returns to the free mark of the ball with the highest value, if it is empty, if all the marks are occupied by colored balls, and the mark of the pocketed colored ball is covered, the ball is spotted as close as possible to its mark, but without touching the overlying ball closer to the short edge of the snooker table. After all the red balls have been pocketed, the player starts to pocket the colored balls, starting with the lowest yellow ball - 2 points and ending with the black ball - 7 points. That is, in the final stage of the game, the player must alternately score - yellow, green, brown, blue, pink and black balls. The player with the most points wins the frame.

Match flow

A snooker match consists of several frames. Before the match, the number of frames that will take place in the match is indicated. At least 2 players can play at one table. There are team tournaments in which from 2 to 4 players can play for 1 team, in which case the players make strikes in turn from one and the other team. After making the opening shot, the players try to score as many points as possible in order to win the frame. In this case, the colored balls pocketed after the red ball, until the last red one on the table, must be put back on the table. If a player makes a mistake, he gets a foul, the points for the foul are added to the opponent's score and the turn to hit goes to the opponent, whereby the opponent can refuse to hit and allow the player to hit, thus the opponent can transfer the right to hit the player who committed the foul.

Situations on the table

Respot black

Respot black is the definition of the winner of a frame in a black ball. In the event that all the balls on the table are played and the opponents have the same number of points, the frame is played with the black ball, which is placed on its mark, and the white ball - the cue ball, the player can place for hitting in any part of sector D. As at the beginning frame, the opponents play out which of them to make the first blow. The winner of the frame is the one who pockets the black ball or accidentally pockets the white ball, in this case, when the cue ball accidentally falls into the pocket, the opponent is charged 7 penalty points and the player who pockets the white ball automatically loses the frame.

Stalemate situation

A stalemate occurs when the players take turns hitting the red balls without changing the position of the balls on the table. This situation does not contribute to the continuation of the frame and by mutual agreement of the players, the results of the frame are canceled and the frame starts again. Most often, this situation occurs at the beginning of the frame, when the players either have no points at all or have a certain number of points. The cue ball hits the pyramid of red balls and the players, making strikes, then roll up, then roll back the cue ball from the pyramid. If the players do not agree with the referee's opinion that the frame needs to be started again, due to the protracted situation on the game table, the referee has the right to end the frame by notifying the players in advance, but most often the players agree after several hits and the proposal of the match referee. Also, a stalemate can also occur in the middle of the frame, when one of the opponents has a certain advantage over the opponent, so the player who has an advantage on points needs to change the situation on the table in order to avoid a decision to replay the frame by the judge.

Maximum break

The highest number of points that can be scored in one series is 147, provided that the player plays only black after the pocketed red ball, you get 15 red balls of 1 point - 15 points and 15 black balls of 7 points - 105 points and 6 color balls by seniority - 27 points. You can make a series of 155 points, which is very rare. To do this, one of the opponents at the beginning of the frame needs to make a mistake, the judge assigns a free ball, so the player can pocket any ball on the table, the price of which will be 1 point, then play the black ball and make the maximum series of 147 points. This results in a streak of 155 points, the maximum streak that can be scored on the snooker table using the virtual red ball. Jamie Cope was able to demonstrate such a series in the late 2000s.

Tochin ball

Tochin ball (touching ball) - game situation on the table when the cue ball is in close contact with another ball. In order to make sure of this, the referee closes the access of light to the point of contact of the balls with his hand, in order to determine whether there is contact between the balls, if there is one, the referee announces the point of the ball. If the tochin ball is assigned with the ball to be played next, the player has the right to win back without touching the ball and take the cue ball away from the ball. If the tochin ball is assigned to the next ball, but decided to play another ball, this situation is possible only with red balls, then he orders another ball, and the referee closely monitors that the ball that was in contact with the cue ball does not move, in this case The player is not penalized. If the ball from which the cue ball was moving moves, the referee assigns a kick and a penalty of 4 points if the blow was applied to the red ball. If a player is not sure if the ball is in contact with the cue ball, he can ask the referee to check this situation.

Tactical move - snooker

The game move snooker, from which the game got its name, implies placing the cue ball in such a position that its path to the ball needed to hit the ball is completely or partially blocked by one ball or a group of balls. In other types of billiards, this tactical move is known as a mask. If the desired ball is not completely covered, but partially and the edge of the desired ball is visible to continue the approach, then in this case no snooker is assigned. In order to get out of snooker, the players use a hit from the boards, that is, they hit the cue ball in the direction of the board, the cue ball bouncing off the boards, bypassing from one to several, comes to the right ball, which was covered before. In the event that the object ball and the cue ball are on the 1st line, but the object ball is blocked by other balls, the players apply a looping blow, striking the cue ball with a cue at a large angle, as a result of which the cue ball goes in an arc and hits the object ball. A hit is called legal if none of the other balls on the cue ball's path to the object ball are hit. If a player fails to get out of snooker, penalty points are added to his opponent's account

Snooker penalties

The minimum penalty in snooker is 4 points and the maximum penalty is 7 points. If the foul is committed on red balls, on colored bolters (yellow, green, brown) or in case of another violation, the opponent of the player who committed the foul is awarded 4 points. Penalties on expensive colored balls (blue, pink, black) are charged according to the face value of the ball.