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.\
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.
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