logo
logo
cover
cover

Snooker

Snooker is a cue sport played on a green table with six pockets, where players pot balls in a set order to score points and win frames.

cover

Origin

India

Type

Cue Sport

Venue

Indoor

Supreme Authority

World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association

Summary

Snooker is a cue sport played on a rectangular table covered in green baize, with six pockets – one in each corner and one in the centre of each long side. The game involves 22 balls: 15 red balls, six coloured balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black), and one white cue ball. Players aim to pot these balls in a specific sequence to score points, with each successful pot adding to their score. A snooker match consists of several frames, each won by the player who scores the most points within it.

 

The game was created in 1875 by British Army officers stationed in India, with Neville Chamberlain formalising the rules by combining aspects of the black pool and pyramids. The term “snooker” was slang for inexperienced recruits, a term Chamberlain applied to the game. Initially popular in the UK among military officers and the gentry, snooker became more widely known after the Billiards Association established the standard rules in 1919.

 

The first World Snooker Championship took place in 1927, with Joe Davis winning the inaugural title. In the 1960s, snooker’s popularity declined but revived in 1969 when the BBC introduced the televised series, Pot Black, showcasing the game in colour. Since then, snooker has remained a popular sport in the UK and beyond. The annual World Championship, the UK Championship, and the Masters comprise the Triple Crown Series, the sport’s most prestigious events.

 

Professional snooker is governed by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and the World Snooker Tour, where top players compete globally. Rankings are based on earnings over two years, with the top 16 players seeded for major tournaments. Snooker is classified as a precision sport by the International Olympic Committee and has been contested at the World Games since 2001.\

Key Types of Snooker

Snooker has several types, each with its own rules and objectives. The main version of snooker is played with 15 red balls, six coloured balls, and one white cue ball. Players aim to pot the balls in a specific order to score points, with each colour having a different point value.

 

Six-Red Snooker: This variation uses only six red balls instead of 15, making the game faster. The rules are mostly the same as standard snooker, with players potting reds and colours in sequence. Six-red snooker is popular in tournaments where a shorter game is needed.

 

Snooker Plus: Created as an alternative to the main game, snooker plus includes two extra coloured balls: an orange worth eight points and a purple worth ten points. This increases the potential for a higher break score but is rarely played today.

 

Snooker Shoot Out: In the Snooker Shoot Out, players compete in single-frame matches with a strict time limit on each shot. The format makes for a quick-paced game, with each match lasting around ten minutes. It is an official ranking event on the World Snooker Tour and attracts players for its fast play style.

 

American Snooker: Primarily played in the United States, American snooker has simpler rules than the British version and is often played on smaller tables. It uses similar equipment but typically includes adjustments that make it more suitable for casual play.

 

Sinuca Brasileira: This is a version of snooker unique to Brazil. It uses only one red ball instead of 15, which is placed in a specific position at the start of the game. The game is structured around different rules that reflect the local playing style in Brazil.

 

Power Snooker: Introduced as a mix between snooker and pool, Power Snooker includes nine red balls arranged in a diamond. The game is limited to a set time, usually 30 minutes, and is designed for quick matches. Power Snooker has not gained widespread popularity.

Competitions
  • World Snooker Championship: The oldest and most prestigious competition, held annually at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. It determines the world champion and offers the highest ranking points and prize money.
  • UK Championship: Part of the Triple Crown Series, this event is considered one of the most important ranking tournaments. It has been held since 1977.
  • The Masters: An invitational tournament that forms the third event of the Triple Crown Series. Only the top-ranked players are invited, making it highly competitive.
  • World Women’s Snooker Championship: The leading tournament for women in snooker, offering top female players the chance to compete for a place on the professional tour.
  • Snooker Shoot Out: A fast-paced, single-frame competition with shot time limits. Known for its short and intense matches, it is popular with audiences and is now a ranking event.
  • Six-Red World Championship: Held annually in Bangkok, this tournament uses only six red balls, offering a quicker alternative to traditional snooker.
  • Champion of Champions: An invitational event featuring winners from various tournaments throughout the season. It allows the champions of other events to compete for an additional title.
  • Players Championship: Part of the Players Series, this competition includes the top-ranked players of the season, based on one-year ranking points.
  • World Seniors Championship: Open to players aged 40 and over, this tournament allows former professional players to compete in a senior-level event.
  • Amateur and Youth Competitions: Organised by the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) and regional bodies, these competitions foster talent at the amateur and youth levels.
Snooker image
Sports
Snooker
Supreme Authority
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
Type
Cue Sport
Venue
Indoor
Team members
3 players
Mixed-sex
Yes
Equipment
Snooker Table, Snooker Balls, Cue

Share

logo
About Us

Becoming a leading global provider of digital solutions and services for the sports industry, enabling our clients to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

 

We aspire to be a trusted partner and advisor to our clients, leveraging our expertise and passion for sports to help them succeed in a rapidly changing market.

Follow Us
Powered By
Collaborate with