Measurements displayed in brackets state the metric equivalent to the nearest millimetre.
1. The Standard Table
(a) The Playing Area
The playing area is within the cushion faces and shall measure 11 ft 8½ in x 5 ft 10 in (3569 mm x 1778 mm) with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/- ½ in (13 mm).
(b) Height
The height of the table from the floor to the top of the cushion rail shall be 2 ft 10 in (864 mm) with a tolerance of
+/- ½ in (13 mm).
(c) Bottom Cushion and Top Cushion
The two shorter sides of the table are defined as the Bottom (also known as Baulk) and Top Cushions of the table. Where a cloth with a nap is fitted to the table, the smooth grain of the nap runs from the Bottom Cushion to the Top Cushion.
(d) Baulk-line and Baulk
A straight line drawn 29 in (737 mm) from the face of the Bottom Cushion, and parallel to it, running from side cushion to side cushion is called the Baulk-line. That line and the intervening space is termed Baulk.
(e) The “D”
The “D” is a semi-circle marked in Baulk with the centre of its straight section in the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11½ in (292 mm).
(f) Spots
Marked at each corner of the “D”, viewed from the Baulk end, the one on the right is known as the Yellow Spot and the one on the left as the Green Spot.
Four spots are marked on the centre longitudinal line of the table:
(i) one in the middle of the Baulk-line, known as the
Brown Spot;
(ii) one located midway between the points perpendicularly below the faces of the Top and Bottom Cushions, known as the Blue Spot;
(iii) one located midway between the Blue Spot and a point perpendicularly below the face of the Top Cushion, known as the Pink Spot; and
(iv) one 12¾ in (324 mm) from a point perpendicularly below the face of the Top Cushion, known as the Black Spot.
(g) Pocket Openings
There shall be a pocket at each of the four corners of the table and one each at the middle of the longer sides.
(a) A set of balls comprises of 15 Red balls, and one each of the following coloured balls: Yellow, Green, Brown, Blue, Pink, Black and a White.
(b) The balls shall be of an approved composition and shall each have a diameter of 52.5 mm with a tolerance of +/-
0.05 mm.
(c) The balls shall be of equal weight where possible but the tolerance between the heaviest ball and the lightest ball in a set should be no more than 3 g.
(d) A ball or set of balls may be changed by agreement between the players or on a decision by the referee.
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Rules of the Game of Snooker
SECTION 1. EQUIPMENT
1. The Standard Table
2. Balls
3. Cue
4. Ancillary
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
1. Frame
2. Game
3. Match
4. Balls
5. Striker
6. Stroke
7. Pot
8. Break
9. In-hand
10. Ball in Play
11. Ball On
12. Nominated Ball
13. Free Ball
14. Forced Off the Table
15. Foul
16. Snookered
17. Spot Occupied
18. Push Stroke
19. Jump Shot
20. Miss
SECTION 3. THE GAME
1. Description
2. Position of Balls
3. Mode of Play
4. End of Frame, Game or Match
5. Playing from In-hand
6. Hitting Two Balls Simultaneously
7. Spotting Colours
8. Touching Ball
9. Ball on Edge of Pocket
10. Snookered After a Foul
11. Fouls
12. Penalties
13. Play Again
14. Foul and a Miss
15. Ball Moved by Other than Striker
16. Stalemate
17. Four-handed Snooker
18. Use of Ancillary Equipment
19. Interpretation
SECTION 4. THE PLAYERS
1. Conduct
2. Penalty
3. Non-striker
4. Absence
5. Conceding
SECTION 5. THE OFFICIALS
1. The Referee
2. The Marker
3. The Recorder
4. Assistance by Officials
SECTION 1. EQUIPMENT
Measurements in parenthesis state the metric equivalent to the nearest millimetre
1. The Standard Table
Dimensions
(a) The playing area within the cushion faces shall measure 11 ft
8½in x 5ft 10in (3569mm x 1778mm) with a tolerance
on both dimensions of +/_ ½ in (+/_ 13mm).
Height
(b) The height of the table from the floor to the top of the cushion
Rail shall be from 2ft9½in to 2ft 10½in (851mm to 876mm).
Pocket Openings
(c)
(i) There shall be pockets at the corners (two at the Spot end known as the top pockets and two at the Baulk end known as the bottom pockets) and one each at the middle of the longer sides (known as the centre pockets).
(ii) The pocket openings shall conform to the templates authorised by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
Baulk-line and Baulk
(d) A straight line drawn 29in (737mm) from the face of the bottom cushion and parallel to it is called the Baulk-line, and that line and the intervening space is termed the Baulk.
The "D"
(e) The "D" is a semi-circle described in Baulk with its centre at the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11½in (292mm).
Spots
(f) Four spots are marked on the centre longitudinal line of the table:
(i) the Spot (known as the Black Spot), 12¾in (324mm) from a point perpendicularly below the face of the top cushion.
(ii) The Centre Spot (known as the Blue Spot), located midway between the faces of the top and bottom cushions.
(iii) The Pyramid Spot (known as the Pink Spot), located midway between the Centre Spot and the face of the top cushion.
(iv) The Middle of the Baulk-line (known as the Brown Spot).
Two other spots used are located at the corners of the 'D'. Viewed from the Baulk end, the one on the right is known as the Yellow Spot and the one on the left as the Green Spot.
2. Balls
The balls shall be of an approved composition and shall each have a diameter of 52.5mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.05mm and:
(a) they shall be of equal weight within a tolerance of 3g per set
(b) a ball or set of balls may be changed by agreement between the players or on a decision by the referee.
The correct value for the balls are as follows
* Red - 1
* Yellow - 2
* Green - 3
* Brown - 4
* Blue - 5
* Pink - 6
* Black - 7
3. Cue
A cue shall be not less than 3ft (914mm) in length and shall show no substantial departure from the traditional and generally accepted shape and form.
4. Ancillary
Various cue rests, long cues (called butts and half-butts according to length), extensions and adaptors may be used by players faced with difficult positions for cueing. These may form part of the equipment normally found at the table but also include equipment introduced by either player or the referee (see also Section 3 Rule 18). All extensions, adaptors and other devices to aid cueing must be of a design approved by the WPBSA.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
1. Frame
A frame of snooker comprises the period of the play from the first stroke, with all the balls set as described in Section 3 Rule 2, until the frame is completed by:
(a) concession by any player during his turn,
(b) claim by the striker when only the Black remains and there is more than seven points difference between the scores in his favour,
(c) the final pot or foul when only the Black remains, or
(d) being awarded by the referee under Section 3 Rule 14(c) or Section 4 Rule 2.
2. Game
A game is an agreed or stipulated number of frames.
3. Match
A match is an agreed or stipulated number of games.
4. Balls
(a) The White ball is the cue-ball.
(b) The 15 Reds and the 6 colours are the object balls.
5. Striker
The person about to play or in play is the striker and remains so until the referee has decided he has left the table at the end of his turn.
6. Stroke
(a) A stroke is made when the striker strikes the cue-ball with the tip of the cue.
(b) A stroke is fair when no infringement of Rule is made.
(c) A stroke is not completed until all balls have come to rest.
(d) A stroke may be made directly or indirectly, thus:
(i) a stroke is direct when the cue-ball strikes an object ball without first striking a cushion
(ii) a stroke is indirect when the cue-ball strikes one or more cushions before striking an object ball.
7. Pot
A pot is when an object ball, after contact with another ball and without any infringement of these Rules, enters a pocket. Causing a ball to be potted is known as potting.
8. Break
A break is a number of pots in successive strokes made in any one turn by a player during a frame.
9. In-hand
(a) The cue-ball is in-hand
(i) before the start of each frame,
(ii) when it has entered a pocket, or
(iii) when it has been forced off the table.
(b) It remains in-hand until
(i) it is played fairly from in-hand, or
(ii) a foul is committed whilst the ball is on the table
(c) The striker is said to be in-hand when the cue-ball is in-hand as above.
10. Ball in Play
(a) The cue-ball is in play when it is not in-hand.
(b) Object balls are in play from the start of the frame until pocketed or forced off the table.
(c) Colours become in play again when re-spotted.
11. Ball On
Any ball which may be lawfully struck by the first impact of the cue-ball, or any ball which may not be so struck but which may be potted, is said to be on.
12. Nominated Ball
(a) A nominated ball is the object ball which the striker declares, or indicates to the satisfaction of the referee, he undertakes to hit with the first impact of the cue-ball.
(b) If requested by the referee, the striker must declare which ball he is on.
13. Free Ball
A free ball is a ball which the striker nominates as the ball on when snookered after a foul (see Section 3 Rule 10).
14. Forced Off the Table
A ball is forced off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table or in a pocket, or if it is picked up by the striker, whilst it is in play except as provided for in Section 3 Rule 14(h).
15. Foul
A foul is any infringement of these Rules.
16. Snookered
The cue-ball is said to be snookered when a direct stroke in a straight line to every ball on is wholly or partially obstructed by a ball or balls not on. If one or more balls on can be struck at both extreme edges free of obstruction by any ball not on, the cue-ball is not snookered.
(a) If in-hand, the cue-ball is snookered if it is obstructed as described above from all possible positions on or within the lines of the "D".
(b) If the cue-ball is so obstructed from hitting a ball on by more than one ball not on
(i) the ball nearest to the cue-ball is considered to be the effective snookering ball, and
(ii) should more than one obstructing ball be equidistant from the cue-ball, all such balls will be considered to be effective snookering balls.
(c) When Red is the ball on, if the cue-ball is obstructed from hitting different Reds by different balls not on, there is no effective snookering ball.
(d) The striker is said to be snookered when the cue-ball is snookered as above
(e) The cue-ball cannot be snookered by a cushion. If the curved face of a cushion obstructs the cue-ball and is closer to the cue-ball than any obstructing ball not on, the cue-ball is not snookered.
17. Spot Occupied
A spot is said to be occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without that ball touching another ball.
18. Push Stroke
A push stroke is made when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue-ball
(a) after the cue-ball has commenced its forward motion, or
(b) as the cue-ball makes contact with an object ball except, where the cue-ball and an object ball are almost touching, it shall not be deemed a push stroke if the cue-ball hits a very fine edge of the object ball.
19. Jump Shot
A jump shot is made when the cue-ball passes over any part of an object ball, whether touching it in the process or not, except:
(a) when the cue-ball first strikes one object ball and then jumps over another ball,
(b) when the cue-ball jumps and strikes an object ball, but does not land on the far side of that ball,
(c) when, after striking an object ball lawfully, the cue-ball jumps over that ball after hitting a cushion or another ball.
20. Miss
A miss is when the cue-ball fails to first contact a ball on and the referee considers that the striker has not made a good enough attempt to hit a ball on.
SECTION 3. THE GAME
1. Description
Snooker may be played by two or more players, either independently or as sides. The game can be summarised as follows:
(a) Each player uses the same White cue-ball and there are twenty-one object balls - fifteen Reds each valued 1, and six colours: Yellow valued 2, Green 3, Brown 4, Blue 5, Pink 6 and Black 7.
(b) Scoring strokes in a player's turn are made by potting Reds and colours alternately until all the Reds are off the table and then the colours in the ascending order of their value.
(c) Points awarded for scoring strokes are added to the score of the striker.
(d) Penalty points from fouls are added to the opponent's score.
(e) A tactic employed at any time during a frame is to leave the cue-ball behind a ball not on such that it is snookered for the next player. If a player or side is more points behind than are available from the balls left on the table, then the laying of snookers in the hope of gaining points from fouls becomes most important.
(f) The winner of a frame is the player or side
(i) making the highest score,
(ii) to whom the frame is conceded, or
(iii) to whom it is awarded under Section 3 Rule 14(c) or Section 4 Rule 2.
(g) The winner of a game is the player or side
(i) winning most, or the required number of frames
(ii) making the greatest total where aggregate points are relevant, or
(iii) to whom the game is awarded under Section 4 Rule 2.
(h) The winner of a match is the player or side winning most games or, aggregate points are relevant, with the greatest total.
2. Position of Balls
(a) At the start of each frame the cue-ball is in-hand and the object balls are positioned on the table as follows:
(i) the Reds in the form of a tightly-packed equilateral triangle, with the Red at the apex standing on the centre line of the table, above the Pyramid Spot such that it will be as close to the Pink as possible without touching it, and the base of the triangle nearest to, and parallel with, the top cushion.
(ii) Yellow on the right-hand corner of the "D"
(iii) Green on the left-hand corner of the "D"
(iv) Brown on the Middle of the Baulk-line,
(v) Blue on the Centre Spot,
(vi) Pink on the Pyramid Spot, and
(vii) Black on the Spot.
(b) After a frame has started, a ball in play may only be cleaned by the referee upon reasonable request by the striker and
(i) the position of the ball, if not spotted, shall be marked by a suitable device prior to the ball being lifted for cleaning,
(ii) the device used to mark the position of a ball being cleaned shall be regarded as and acquire the value of the ball until such time as the ball has been cleaned and replaced. If any player other than the striker should touch or disturb the device, he shall be penalised as if he were the striker, without affecting the order of play. The referee shall return the device or ball being cleaned to its position, if necessary, to his satisfaction, even if it was picked up.
3. Mode of Play
The players shall determine the order of play by lot or in any mutually agreed manner.
(a) The order of play thus determined must remain unaltered throughout the frame, except a player may be asked by the next player to play again after any foul.
(b) The player or side to strike first must alternate for each frame during a game.
(c) The first player plays from in-hand, the frame commencing when the cue-ball has been placed on the table and contacted by the tip of the cue, either
(i) as a stroke is made, or
(ii) while addressing the cue-ball.
(d) For a stroke to be fair, none of the infringements described below in Rule 12, Penalties, must occur.
(e) For the first stroke of each turn, until all Reds are off the table, Red or a free ball nominated as a Red is the ball on, and the value or each Red and any free ball nominated as a Red, potted in the same stroke, is scored.
(f) (i) If a Red, or a free ball nominated as a Red, is potted, the same player plays the next stroke and the next ball on is a colour of the striker's choice which, if potted, is scored and the colour is then spotted.
(ii) The break is continued by potting Reds and colours alternately until all the Reds are off the table and, where applicable, a colour has been played at following the potting of the last Red.
(iii) The colours then become on in the ascending order of their value as per Section 3 Rule 1(a) and when next potted remain off the table, except as provided for in Rule 4 below, and the striker plays the next stroke at the next colour on.
(g) Reds are not replaced on the table once pocketed or forced off the table regardless of the fact that a player may thus benefit from a foul. Exceptions to this concept are provided for in Section 3 Rules 2(b)(ii), 9, 14(f), 14(h) and 15.
(h) If the striker fails to score or commits a foul, his turn ends and the next player plays from where the cue-ball comes to rest, or from in-hand if the cue-ball is off the table.
4. End of Frame, Game or Match
(a) When only the Black is left, the first score or foul ends the frame excepting only if the following conditions both apply:
(i) the scores are then equal, and
(ii) aggregate scores are not relevant.
(b) When both conditions in (a) above apply
(i) the Black is spotted,
(ii) the players draw lots for choice of playing
(iii) the next player plays from in-hand, and
(iv) the next score or foul ends the frame.
(c) When aggregate scores determine the winner of a game or match, and the aggregate scores are equal at the end of the last frame, the players in that frame shall follow the procedure for a re-spotted Black set out in (b) above.
5. Playing from In-hand
To play from in-hand, the cue-ball must be struck from a position on or within the lines of the "D", but it may be played in any direction.
(a) The referee will state, if asked, whether the cue-ball is properly placed (that is, not outside the lines of the "D").
(b) If the tip of the cue should touch the cue-ball while positioning it, and the referee is satisfied that the striker was not attempting to play a stroke, then the cue-ball is not in play.
6. Hitting Two Balls Simultaneously
Two balls, other than two Reds or a free ball and a ball on, must not be struck simultaneously by the first impact of the cue-ball.
7. Spotting Colours
Any colour pocketed or forced off the table shall be spotted before the next stroke is made, until finally potted under Section 3 Rule 3(f).
(a) A player shall not be held responsible for any mistake by the referee in failing to spot correctly any ball.
(b) If a colour is spotted in error after being potted in ascending order as per Section 3 Rule 3(f)(iii), it shall be removed from the table without penalty when the error is discovered and play shall continue.
(c) If a stroke is made with a ball or balls not correctly spotted, they will be considered to be correctly spotted for subsequent strokes. Any colour incorrectly missing from the table will be spotted:
(i) without penalty when discovered if missing due to previous oversight,
(ii) subject to penalty if the striker player before the referee was able to effect the spotting.
(d) If a colour has to be spotted and its own spot is occupied, it shall be placed on the highest value spot available.
(e) If there is more than one colour to be spotted and their own spots are occupied, the highest value ball shall take precedence in order of spotting.
(f) If all spots are occupied, the colour shall be placed as near its own spot as possible, between that spot and the nearest part of the top cushion.
(g) In the case of Pink and Black, if all spots are occupied and there is no available space between the relevant spot and the nearest part of the top cushion, the colour shall be placed as near to its own spot as possible on the centre line of the table below the spot.
(h) In all cases, the colour when spotted must not be touching another ball.
(i) A colour, to be properly spotted, must be placed by hand on the spot designated in these Rules.
8. Touching Ball
(a) If the cue-ball comes to rest touching another ball or balls that are, or could be, on, the referee shall state TOUCHING BALL and indicate which ball or balls on the cue-ball is touching.
(b) When a touching ball has been called, the striker must play the cue-ball away from that ball without moving it or it is a push stroke.
(c) Providing the striker does not cause the object ball to move, there shall be no penalty if:
(i) the ball is on,
(ii) the ball could be on and the striker declares he is on it, or
(ii) the ball could be on and the striker declares, and first hits, another ball that could be on.
(d) If the cue-ball comes to rest touching or nearly touching a ball that is not on, the referee, if asked whether it is touching, will answer YES or NO. The striker must play away without disturbing it as above but must first hit a ball that is on.
(e) When the cue-ball is touching both a ball on and a ball not on, the referee shall only indicate the ball on as touching. If the striker should ask the referee whether the cue-ball is also touching the ball not on, he is entitled to be told.
(f) If the referee is satisfied that any movement of a touching ball at the moment of striking was not caused by the striker, he will not call a foul.
(g) If a stationary object ball, not touching the cue-ball when examined by the referee, is later seen to be in contact with the cue-ball before a stroke has been made, the balls shall be repositioned by the referee to his satisfaction.
9. Ball on Edge of Pocket
(a) If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, and being no part of any stroke in progress, it shall be replaced and any points scored shall count.
(b) If it would have been hit by any ball involved in a stroke:
(i) with no infringement of these Rules, all balls will be replaced and the same stroke played again, or a different stroke may be played at his discretion, by the same striker.
(ii) if a foul is committed, the striker incurs the penalty prescribed, all balls will be replaced and the next player has the usual options after a foul.
(c) If a ball balances momentarily on the edge of a pocket and then falls in, it shall count as in the pocket and not be replaced.
10. Snookered After a Foul
After a foul, if the cue-ball is snookered, the referee shall state FREE BALL (see Section 2, Rule 16).
(a) If the player next in turn elects to play the next stroke,
(i) he may nominate any ball as the ball on, and
(ii) any nominated ball shall be regarded as, and acquire the value of, the ball on except that, if potted, is shall then be spotted.
(b) It is a foul if the cue-ball should
(i) fail to hit the nominated ball first, or first simultaneously with the ball on, or
(ii) be snookered on all Reds, or the ball on, by the free ball thus nominated, except when the Pink and Black are the only object balls remaining on the table.
(c) If the 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 struck the nominated ball first, or simultaneously with a ball on, the ball on is scored and remains off the table.
(e) If both the nominated ball and a ball on are potted, only the ball on is scored unless it was a Red, when each ball potted is scored. The free ball is then spotted and the ball on remains off the table.
(f) If the offender is asked to play again, the free ball call becomes void.
11. Fouls
If a foul is committed, the referee shall immediately state FOUL.
(a) If the striker has not made a stroke, his turn ends immediately and the referee shall announce the penalty.
(b) If a stroke has been made, the referee will wait until completion of the stroke before announcing the penalty.
(c) If a foul is neither awarded by the referee, nor successfully claimed by the non-striker before the next stroke is made, it is condoned.
(d) Any colour not correctly spotted shall remain where positioned except that if off the table it shall be correctly spotted.
(e) All points scored in a break before a foul is awarded are allowed but the striker shall not score any points for any ball pocketed in a stroke called foul.
(f) The next stroke is played from where the cue-ball comes to rest or, if the cue-ball is off the table, from in-hand.
(g) If more than one foul is committed in the same stroke, the highest value penalty shall be incurred.
(h) The player who committed the foul
(i) incurs the penalty prescribed in Rule 12 below, and
(ii) has to play the next stroke if requested by the next player.
12. Penalties
All fouls will incur a penalty of four points unless a higher one is indicated in paragraph (a) to (d) below. Penalties are:
(a) value of the ball on by
(i) striking the cue-ball more than once,
(ii) striking when both feet are off the floor,
(iii) playing out of turn,
(iv) playing improperly from in-hand, including at the opening stroke,
(v) causing the cue-ball to miss all object balls,
(vi) causing the cue-ball to enter a pocket,
(vii) playing a snooker behind a free ball,
(viii) playing a jump shot,
(ix) playing with a non-standard cue, or
(x) conferring with a partner contrary to Section 3 Rule 17(e).
(b) value of the ball on or ball concerned, whichever is higher, by
(i) striking when any ball is not at rest,
(ii) striking before the referee has completed the spotting of a colour,
(iii) causing a ball not on to enter a pocket,
(iv) causing the cue-ball to first hit a ball not on,
(v) making a push stroke
(vi) touching a ball in play, other than the cue-ball with the tip of the cue as a stroke is made, or
(vii) causing a ball to be forced off the table.
(c) value of the ball on or higher value of the two balls concerned by causing the cue-ball to first hit simultaneously two balls, other than two Reds or a free ball and a ball on.
(d) A penalty of seven points is incurred if the striker
(i) uses a ball off the table for any purpose,
(ii) uses any object to measure gaps or distance,
(iii) plays at Reds, or a free ball followed by a Red, in successive strokes,
(iv) uses any ball other than White as the cue-ball for any stroke once the frame has started,
(v) fails to declare which ball he is on when requested to do so by the referee, or
(vi) after potting a Red or free ball nominated as a Red, commits a foul before nominating a colour.
13. Play Again
Once a player has requested an opponent to play again after a foul, such request cannot be withdrawn. The offended, having been asked to play again, is entitled to
(a) change his mind as to
(i) which stroke he will play, and
(ii) which ball on he will attempt to hit.
(b) score points for any ball or balls he may pot.
14. Foul and a Miss
The striker shall, to the best of his ability, endeavour to hit the ball on. If the referee considers the Rule infringed, he shall call FOUL AND A MISS unless only the Black remains on the table, or a situation exists where it is impossible to hit the ball on. In the latter case it must be assumed the striker is attempting to hit the ball on provided that he plays, directly or indirectly, in the direction of the ball on with sufficient strength, in the referee's opinion, to have reached the ball on but the obstructing ball or balls.
(a) After a foul and a miss has been called, the next player may request the offender to play again from the position left or, at his discretion, from the original position, in which latter case the ball on shall be the same as it was prior to the last stroke made, namely:
(i) any Red, where Red was the ball on,
(ii) the colour on, where all Reds were off the table, or
(iii) a colour of the striker's choice, where the ball on was a colour after a Red had been potted.
(b) If the striker, in making a stroke, fails to 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 that is or could be on, the referee shall call FOUL AND A MISS unless either player needed snookers before, or as a result of, the stroke played and the referee is satisfied that the miss was not intentional.
(c) After a miss has been called under paragraph (b) above when there was a clear path in a straight line from the cue-ball to a ball that was on or that could have been on, such that central, full-ball, contact was available (in the case of Reds, this to be taken as a full diameter of any Red that is not obstructed by a colour), then:
(i) a further failure to first hit a ball on in making a stroke from the same position shall be called as a FOUL AND A MISS regardless of the difference in scores, and
(ii) if asked to play again from the original position, the offender shall be warned by the referee that a third failure will result in the frame being awarded to his opponent.
(d) After the cue-ball has been replaced under this Rule, when there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue-ball to any part of any ball that is or could be on, and the striker fouls any ball, including the cue-ball while preparing to play a stroke, a miss will not be called if a stroke has not been played. In this case the appropriate penalty will be imposed and
(i) the next player may elect to play the stroke himself or ask the offender to play again from the position left, or
(ii) the next player may ask the referee to replace all balls moved to their original position and have the offender play again from there, and
(iii) if the above situation arises during a sequence of miss calls, any warning concerning the possible awarding of the frame to his opponent shall remain in effect.
(e) All other misses will be called at the discretion of the referee.
(f) After a miss and a request by the next player to replace the cue-ball, any object balls disturbed will remain where they are unless the referee considers the offending player would or could gain an advantage. In the latter case, any or all disturbed balls may be replaced to the referee's satisfaction and in either case, colours incorrectly off the table will be spotted or replaced as appropriate.
(g) When any ball is being replaced after a miss, both the offender and the next player will be consulted as to its position, after which the referee's decision shall be final.
(h) During such consultation, if either player should touch any ball in play, he shall be penalised as if he were the striker, without affecting the order of play. The ball touched shall be replaced by the referee, to his satisfaction, if necessary, even if it was picked up.
(i) The next player may ask if the referee intends to replace balls other than the cue-ball in the event that he should ask for the stroke to be played from the original position, and the referee shall state his intentions.
15. Ball Moved by Other than Striker
If a ball, stationary or moving, is disturbed other than by the striker, it shall be re-positioned by the referee to the place he judges the ball was, or would have finished, without penalty.
(a) This Rule shall include cases where another occurrence or person, other than the striker's partner, causes the striker to move a ball.
(b) No player shall be penalised for any disturbance of balls by the referee.
16. Stalemate
If the referee thinks a position of stalemate exists, or is being approached, he shall offer the players the immediate option of re-starting the frame. If any player objects, the referee shall allow play to continue with the proviso that the situation must change within a stated period, usually after three more strokes to each side but at the referee's discretion. If the situation remains basically unchanged after the stated period has expired, the referee shall nullify all scores and re-set all balls as for the start of a frame and
(a) the same player shall again make the opening stroke,
(b) the same order of play shall be maintained.
17. Four-handed Snooker
(a) In a four-handed game each side shall open alternate frames and the order of play shall be determined at the start of each frame and, when so determined, must be maintained throughout 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 request to play again is made, the player who committed the foul plays again, even if the foul was made out of turn, and the original order of play is maintained such that the offender's partner may lose a turn.
(d) When a frame ends in a tie Section 3 Rule 4 applies. If a re-spotted Black is necessary the pair who play the first stroke have the choice of which player will make that stroke. The order of play must then continue as in the frame.
(e) Partners may confer during a frame but not
(i) whilst one is the striker and at the table, nor
(ii) after the first stroke of the striker's turn until the break ends.
18. Use of Ancillary Equipment
It is the responsibility of the striker to both place and remove any equipment he may use at the table.
(a) The striker is responsible for all items including, but not limited to, rests and extensions that he brings to the table, whether owned by him or borrowed (except from the referee), and he will be penalised for any fouls made by him when using this equipment.
(b) Equipment normally found at the table which has been provided by another party including the referee are not the responsibility of the striker. Should this equipment prove to be faulty and thereby cause the striker to touch a ball or balls, no fouls will be called. The referee will, if necessary, reposition any balls in accordance with Rule 15 above and the striker, if in a break, will be allowed to continue without penalty.
19. Interpretation
(a) Throughout these Rules and Definitions, words implying the masculine gender shall equally apply to and include the female gender.
(b) Circumstances may necessitate adjustment in how Rules are applied for persons with physical handicaps. In particular and for example:
(i) Section 3 Rule 12(a)(ii) cannot be applied to players in wheelchairs, and
(ii) a player, upon request to the referee, shall be told the colour of a ball if he is unable to differentiate between colours as, for example, red and green.
(c) When there is no referee, such as in a social game, the opposing player or side will be regarded as such for the purpose of these Rules.
SECTION 4. THE PLAYERS
1. Conduct
In the event of:
(a) a Player taking an abnormal amount of time over a stroke or the selection of a stroke; or
(b) any conduct by a Player which in the opinion of the referee is wilfully or persistently unfair; or
(c) any other conduct by a Player which otherwise amounts to ungentlemanly conduct; or
(d) refusing to continue a frame;
the referee shall either:
(e) warn the Player that in the event of any such further conduct the frame will be awarded to his opponent; or
(f) award the frame to his opponent; or
(g) in the event that the conduct is sufficiently serious award the game to his opponent
If a referee has warned the Player under (e) above, in the event of any further conduct as referred to above, the referee must either:
(a) award the frame to his opponent; or
(b) in the event that the further conduct is sufficiently serious, award the game to his opponent.
If a referee has awarded a frame to a Player's opponent pursuant to the above provisions, in the event of any further conduct as referred to above by the Player concerned, the referee must award the game to the Player's opponent.
Any decision by a referee to award a frame and/or the game to a Player's opponent shall be final and shall not be subject to any appeal.
2. Penalty
(a) If a frame is forfeited under this Section, the offender shall:
(i) lose the frame; and
(ii) forfeit all points scored and the non-offender shall receive a number of points equivalent to the value of the balls remaining on the table, with each Red counting as eight points and any colour incorrectly off the table being counted as if spotted.
(b) If a game is forfeited under this Section, the offender shall
(i) lose the frame in progress as in (a); and
(ii) additionally lose the required number of unplayed frames to complete the game where frames are relevant; or
(iii) additionally lose the remaining frames, each valued at 147 points, where aggregate points apply
3. Non-striker
The non-striker shall, when the striker is playing, avoid standing or moving in line of sight of the striker. He shall sit or stand at a reasonable distance from the table
4. Absence
In the case of his absence from the room, the non-striker may appoint a deputy to watch his interest and claim a foul if necessary. Such appointment must be made known to the referee prior to departure.
5. Conceding
(a) A player may only concede when he is the striker. The opponent has the right to accept or refuse the concession, which becomes null and void if the opponent chooses to play on
(b) When aggregate scores apply and a frame is conceded, the value of any balls remaining on the table is added to the score of the other side. In such case, Reds shall count as eight points each and any colour incorrectly.
(c) A player shall not concede a frame in any match unless snookers are required. Any breach of this rule shall be regarded as ungentlemanly conduct by the player concerned.
SECTION 5. THE OFFICIALS
1. The Referee
(a) The referee shall
(i) be the sole judge of fair and unfair play,
(ii) be free to make a decision in the interests of fair play for any situation not covered adequately by Rule,
(iii) be responsible for the proper conduct of the game under these Rules
(iv) intervene if he sees any infringement of these Rules
(v) tell a player the colour of a ball if requested, and
(vi) clean any ball upon reasonable request by a player.
(b) The referee shall not
(i) answer any question not authorised in these Rules,
(ii) give any indication that a player is about to make a foul stroke,
(iii) give any advice or opinion on points affecting play, nor
(iv) answer any question regarding the difference in scores.
(c) If the referee has failed to notice any incident, he may at his discretion take the evidence of the marker or other officials or spectators best placed for the observation or may view a camera/video recording of the incident to assist his decision.
2. The Marker
The marker shall keep the score on the scoreboard and assist the referee in carrying out his duties. He shall also act as recorder if necessary.
3. The Recorder
The recorder shall maintain a record of each stroke played, showing fouls where appropriate and how many points are scored by each player or side as required. He shall also make note of break totals.
4. Assistance by Officials
(a) At the striker's request, the referee or marker shall move and hold in position any lighting apparatus that interferes with the action of the striker in making a stroke.
(b) It is permissible for the referee or marker to give necessary assistance to handicapped players according to their circumstances.
https://www.absc.com.au/
Rules of the Game of English Billiards
SECTION 1. EQUIPMENT
1. The Standard Table
2. Balls
3. Cue
4. Ancillary
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS
1. Game
2. Match
3. Balls
4. Stringing
5. Striker
6. Stroke
7. Pot
8. In-off
9. Hazard
10. Cannon
11. Break
12. In-hand
13. Ball in Play
14. Ball in Baulk
15. Forced off the table
16. Miss
17. Running a coup
18. Foul
19. Spot Occupied
20. Push Stroke
21. Jump shot
SECTION 3 THE GAME
1. Description
2. Start of Game
3. Mode of Play
4. Scoring
5. End of Session and Game
6. Playing from In-hand
7. Ball on Baulk-line
8. Spotting Object Balls
9. Limitation of Cannons
10. Limitation of Hazards
11. Ball on Edge of Pocket
12. Ball Moved by Other than Striker
13. Touching Ball
14. Fouls
15. Action after a Foul
16. Action after a Miss
17. Four-handed Billiards
18. Use of Ancillary Equipment
19. Interpretation
SECTION 4 THE PLAYERS
1. Time Wasting
2. Unfair Conduct
3. Penalty
4. Non-striker
5. Absence
6. Conceding
SECTION 5 THE OFFICIALS
1. The Referee
2. The Marker
3. The Recorder
4. Assistance by Officials
SECTION 1. EQUIPMENT
Measurements in parentheses state the metric equivalent to the nearest millimetre
1. The Standard Table
Dimensions
(a) The playing area within the cushion faces shall measure 11ft 8½in x 5 ft 10in (3569mm x 1778mm) with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/_ ?in (+/_ 13mm).
Height
(b) The height of the table from the floor to the top of the cushion rail shall be from 2ft 9½in to 2ft 10½in (851mm to 876mm).
Pocket Openings
(c) (i) There shall be pockets at the corners (two at the Spot end known as the top pockets and two at the Baulk end known as the bottom pockets) and one each at the middle of the longer sides (known as the centre pockets).
(ii) The pocket openings shall conform to the templates authorised by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
Baulk-line and Baulk
(d) A straight line drawn 29in (737mm) from the face of the bottom cushion and parallel to it is called the Baulk-line, and that line and the intervening space is termed the Baulk.
The "D"
(e) The "D" is a semi-circle described in Baulk with its centre at the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11½in (292mm).
Spots
(f) Four spots are marked on the centre longitudinal line of the table:
(i) the Spot, 12¾in (324mm) from a point perpendicularly below the face of the top cushion.
(ii) the Centre Spot, located midway between the faces of the top and bottom cushions.
(iii) the Pyramid Spot, located midway between the Centre Spot and the face of the top cushion.
(iv) the Middle of the Baulk-line.
2. Balls
The balls shall be of an approved composition and shall each have a diameter of 52.5mm with a tolerance of +/_ 0.05mm and:
(a) they shall be of equal weight within a tolerance of 0.5g per set
(b) a set of balls may be changed by agreement between the players or on a decision by the referee.
3. Cue
A cue shall be not less that 3ft (914mm) in length and shall show no substantial departure from the traditional and generally accepted shape and form.
4. Ancillary
Various cue rests, long cues (called butts and half-butts according to length), extensions and adaptors may be used by players faced with difficult positions for cueing. These may form part of the equipment normally found at the table but also include equipment introduced by either player or the referee (see also Section 3 Rule 18). All extensions, adaptors and other devices to aid cueing must be of a design approved by the WPBSA.
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS
1. Game
A game is the period of play from the opening stroke until it is completed by
(a) reaching the end of a specified period of time,
(b) either side reaching the number of points specified, or
(c) being awarded by the referee under Section 4 Rule 2.
2. Match
A match is an agreed or stipulated number of games.
3. Balls
(a) The cue-ball is the ball of the striker
(b) The other white ball and the red are object balls.
4. Stringing
Stringing is when both players (or one from each side) play together from the Baulk-line on either side of the "D" to the top cushion, with the object of leaving the ball played closer to the bottom cushion that the ball played by the opponent.
5. Striker
The person about to play or in play is the striker and remains so until the referee has decided he has left the table at the end of his turn.
6. Stroke
(a) A stroke is made when the striker strikes the cue-ball with the tip of the cue.
(b) A stroke is fair when no infringement of Rule is made.
(c) A stroke is not completed until all balls have come to rest.
(d) A stroke may be made directly or indirectly, thus:
(i) a stroke is direct when the cue-ball strikes an object ball without first striking a cushion
(ii) a stroke is indirect when the cue-ball strikes one or more cushions before striking the first, or second object ball.
7. Pot
A pot is when an object ball, after contact with another ball and without any infringement of these Rules, enters a pocket. Causing a ball to be potted is known as potting. A pot is also known as a winning hazard.
8. In-off
An in-off is when the cue-ball, after contacting an object ball and without any infringement of these Rules, enters a pocket. If both object balls are contacted by the cue-ball, it is held to have gone in-off the first object ball contacted. An in-off is also known as a losing hazard.
9. Hazard
A hazard is any scoring stroke that does not include a cannon, being any of
(a) a pot,
(b) an in-off,
(c) two pots,
(d) a pot and an in-off, or
(e) two pots and an in-off.
10. Cannon
A cannon is when, without any infringement of these Rules, the cue-ball makes contact with both object balls during a stroke.
11. Break
A break is a number of scoring strokes in succession made in any one turn by the striker.
12. In-hand
(a) A player's ball is in-hand
(i) before the start of each game,
(ii) when it has entered a pocket, or
(iii) when it has been forced off the table.
(b) It remains in-hand until
(i) it is played fairly from in-hand,
(ii) a foul is committed whilst the ball is on the table, or
(iii) it is spotted under Section 3 Rules 10(c)or 15(c) (ii).
(c) The striker is said to be in-hand when the cue-ball is in-hand as above.
13. Ball in Play
(a) A player's ball is in play when it is not in-hand.
(b) The red is in play when spotted and remains so until pocketed or forced off the table.
14. Ball in Baulk
A ball is in Baulk when it rests on the Baulk-line or between that line and the bottom cushion.
15. Forced off the table
A ball is forced off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table or in a pocket, or if it is picked up by the striker whilst it is in play.
16. Miss
A miss is when the cue-ball fails to contact either object ball.
17. Running a coup
The striker when in hand directly pockets his cue ball when no ball(s) are in play.
18. Foul
A foul is any infringement of these Rules.
19. Spot Occupied
A spot is said to be occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without that ball touching another ball.
20. Push Stroke
A push stroke is made when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue-ball
(a) after the cue-ball has commenced its forward motion, or
(b) as the cue-ball makes contact with an object ball except, where the cue-ball and an object ball are almost touching, it shall not be deemed a push stroke if the cue-ball hits a very fine edge of the object ball.
21. Jump shot
A jump shot is made when the cue-ball passes over any part of an object ball, whether touching it in the process or not, except:
(a) when the cue-ball first strikes one object ball and then jumps over the other ball.
(b) when the cue-ball jumps and strikes an object ball, but does not land on the far side of that ball.
(c) When, after striking a ball lawfully, the cue-ball jumps over that ball after hitting a cushion or another ball.
SECTION 3 THE GAME
1. Description
English Billiards is played by two persons or sides and the game can be summarised as follows:
(a) Three balls are used: a plain white by one side, a spot white (with two or more black spots for identification) by the other side, and a red.
(b) Scoring strokes in a player's turn are made by pots, in-offs and cannons singly or in combination.
(c) Points awarded for scoring strokes are added to the score of the striker.
(d) Penalty points from fouls and misses are added to the opponent's score.
(e) A tactic employed at any time during a game is to leave both object balls in Baulk when the next player is in-hand such that any attempt at disturbing the balls must be by means of an indirect stroke.
(f) The winner of a game is the player or side
(i) who has scored most points in the agreed or stipulated time,
(ii) who first reaches the agreed or stipulated number of points,
(iii) to whom the game is awarded under Section 4 Rule 2, or
(iv) to whom the game is conceded.
(g) The winner of a match is the player or side winning most games or, where aggregate points are relevant, with the greatest total.
2. Start of Game
The choice of white ball and which side is to play first shall be decided by stringing or any mutually agreed manner, the winner having both options unless all players mutually agree on these options.
(a) The order of play thus determined must remain unaltered throughout the game.
(b) The red is placed on the Spot and the first player plays from in-hand, the game commencing when the cue-ball has been placed on the table and contacted with the tip of the cue, either
(i) as a stroke is made, or
(ii) while addressing the cue-ball
(c) If the wrong white ball is used for the opening stroke, that stroke is void and the game must be started with the correct ball. Once the game has started, it is the responsibility of the striker to ensure that he plays with the correct white ball even if the wrong white ball is passed to him by the referee.
3. Mode of Play
The players play alternately, or in turn, unless a score is made, in which case the striker continues the break playing from the position left or, after an in-off or if touching another ball as provided for in Section 3 Rule13, from in-hand. When the striker fails to score, his turn ends and the next player plays from the position then left, this being from in-hand if his cue-ball is off the table or touching another ball as provided for in Section 3 Rule 13. After a foul the next player has the additional option of playing from in-hand with both object balls spotted as provided for in Section 3 Rule 15 (c) (ii).
4. Scoring
Points are awarded as follows:
(a) A cannon, pot white and in-off white shall each score two.
(b) A pot red and an in-off red shall each score three.
(c) If more than one hazard or a combination of hazard/s and cannon are made in the same stroke, all are scored.
(d) When an in-off is combined with a cannon, the in-off shall score (additionally to the cannon)
(i) three points if the red was struck first by the cue-ball,
(ii) two points if the object white was struck first, or
(iii) two points if both object balls were struck simultaneously.
5. End of Session and Game
(a) At the end of the period of time set for any session, the referee shall call TIME. Any stroke that has been made shall be allowed to finish and any points scored shall be added to the appropriate side. If other sessions are to follow, the position of all balls shall be measured and noted by the referee so that the next session may commence from the point of interruption.
(b) The end of the final session as above is the end of a game in a time format.
(c) In a game or match played to a time limit, it is possible that the scores could be level at the end of the period of time allowed and the rules setting the period of time should include any provision for any necessary tie-break.
(d) When playing to an agreed or stipulated number of points, the end of the game is reached when a player first reaches or passes the required number. Only the points required are counted, though the player shall be credited with a break that includes all points scored.
6. Playing from In-hand
To play from in-hand, the cue-ball must be struck from a position on or within the lines of the "D", and
(a) the referee will state, if asked, whether the cue-ball is properly placed (that is, not outside the lines of the "D").
(b) if the tip of the cue should touch the cue-ball while positioning it, and the referee is satisfied that the striker was not attempting to play a stroke, then the cue-ball is not in play.
(c) The cue-ball must be played out of Baulk. If it contacts an object ball then it is out of Baulk, the cue-ball is held to have been played out of Baulk even though it may not physically cross the Baulk-line.
(d) The cue-ball must contact a cushion or ball out of Baulk before re-entering and coming to rest in Baulk, or before hitting a ball in Baulk.
(e) The cue-ball may be played against a cushion in Baulk before hitting a ball out of Baulk.
(f) If an object ball is in Baulk, no part of its surface may be played on directly from in-hand, even if that part of its surface is above the Baulk-line.
7. Ball on Baulk-line
The referee shall state, if asked, whether a ball on or near the Baulk-line is in Baulk or out of Baulk.
8. Spotting Object Balls
(a) If the red is pocketed or forced off the table, it is placed on the Spot, or
(i) if the Spot is occupied, it shall be placed on the Pyramid Spot
(ii) if both the Spot and the Pyramid Spot are occupied, it shall be placed on the Centre Spot.
(b) If the red is potted twice in succession in one break from the Spot or from the Pyramid Spot, not in conjunction with another score, it shall be placed on the Centre Spot, or
(i) if the Centre Spot is occupied, it shall be placed on the Pyramid Spot.
(ii) if both the Centre Spot and the Pyramid Spot are occupied, it shall be placed on the Spot.
(c) For continued pots of the red, not in conjunction with another score, it shall be placed on the Spot twice, then the Centre Spot once, in sequence while those spots are not occupied.
(d) The referee shall inform the striker upon request how many consecutive pots have been made off the same spot.
(e) A ball is not considered to be on any spot unless it was placed there by hand.
(f) If another ball should touch any ball that has been placed by hand on a spot, that ball is no longer considered to be on that spot, even though it may not have moved.
(g) A player shall not be held responsible for any mistake by the referee in failing to spot correctly any object ball.
9. Limitation of Cannons
Consecutive cannons, not in conjunction with a hazard, are limited to seventy-five.
(a) After seventy such cannons, the referee shall state SEVENTY CANNONS. If the referee should fail to announce when seventy cannons have been made, the striker shall be entitled to make five more such cannons after the referee does announce SEVENTY CANNONS.
(b) The referee shall inform the striker upon request how many consecutive strokes of cannons have been made.
10. Limitation of Hazards
Consecutive hazards, not in conjunction with a cannon, are limited to fifteen strokes.
(a) After ten such strokes of hazards, the referee shall state TEN HAZARDS. If the referee should fail to announce when ten hazards have been made, the striker shall be entitled to make five more such hazards after the referee does announce TEN HAZARDS.
(b) The referee shall inform the striker upon request how many consecutive strokes of hazards have been made.
(c) If the non-striker's ball is off the table as a result of the non-striker's last stroke, it shall be placed on the Middle of the Baulk-line after the fifteenth hazard or, if that is occupied, on the right-hand corner of the "D", viewed from the bottom end of the table.
11. Ball on Edge of Pocket
(a) If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, and being no part of any stroke in progress, it shall be replaced and any points scored shall count.
(b) If it would have been hit by any ball involved in a stroke:
(i) with no infringement of these Rules, all balls will be replaced and the same stroke played again, or a different stroke may be played at his discretion, by the same striker.
(ii) if a foul is committed all balls will be replaced and the next player has the usual options after a foul.
(c) If a ball balances momentarily on the edge of a pocket and then falls in, it shall count as in the pocket and not be replaced.
12. Ball Moved by Other than Striker
If a ball, stationary or moving, is disturbed other than by the striker, it shall be re-positioned by the referee to the place he judges the ball was, or would have finished.
(a) This Rule shall include cases where another occurrence or person, other than the striker's partner, causes the striker to move a ball.
(b) No player shall be penalised for any disturbance of balls by the referee.
13. Touching Ball
When the striker's ball remains touching another ball, red shall be placed on the Spot, the non-striker's ball, if on the table, shall be placed on the Centre Spot, and the striker shall play from in-hand.
14. Fouls
The following acts are fouls:
(a) striking a ball other than the cue-ball,
(b) striking the cue-ball more than once,
(c) striking when both feet are off the floor,
(d) playing out of turn
(e) playing improperly from in-hand, including at the opening stroke,
(f) striking when any ball is not at rest,
(g) playing a jump shot,
(h) making a push stroke,
(i) causing a ball to be forced off the table,
(j) making more than fifteen consecutive hazards,
(k) making more than seventy-five consecutive cannons,
(l) touching a ball or ball marker in play, other than in the lawful execution of a stroke,
(m) striking before the referee has completed the spotting of a ball,
(n) causing the cue-ball to miss all object balls, other than as provided for in Rule 16 below,
(o) conferring with a partner contrary to Rule 17 below,
(p) playing with a non-standard cue, and
(r) running a coup.
15. Action after a Foul
When a foul is committed, the referee shall immediately call FOUL.
(a) If the striker has not made a stroke, his turn ends immediately.
(b) All points scored in a break before a foul is awarded are allowed but the striker shall not score any points in a stroke called foul.
(c) All fouls will incur a penalty of two points but not more than two points shall be forfeited in any one stroke. Additionally, the next player shall have the option of playing
(i) from where the balls have come to rest, the red if not correctly spotted remaining where positioned except that if off the table it shall be correctly spotted, or
(ii) from in-hand with the red placed on the Spot and the object white placed on the Centre Spot.
(d) If the foul is neither awarded by the referee, nor successfully claimed by the non-striker before the next stroke is made, it is condoned.
16. Action after a Miss
If a miss is made, by other than a stroke made directly into a pocket or off a shoulder of a pocket when the striker is in-hand with no object ball out of Baulk, the referee shall call MISS. A penalty of two points is incurred, which is added to the opponent's score. Any other miss is a foul, and all direct 'coups' are fouls.
17. Four-handed Billiards
(a) The side to make the first stroke is decided by the winner of the stringing, as per Section 3 Rule 2. The order of play is then determined by the next player after which the order must remain unchanged throughout the game.
(b) Partners may confer during a game but not
(i) whilst one is the striker and at the table, nor
(ii) after the first stroke of the striker's turn until the break ends.
18. Use of Ancillary Equipment
It is the responsibility if the striker to both place and remove any equipment he may use at the table.
(a) The striker is responsible for all items including, but not limited to, rests and extensions that he brings to the table, whether owned by him or borrowed (except from the referee), and he will be penalised for any fouls made by him when using this equipment.
(b) Equipment normally found at the table which has been provided by another party including the referee are not responsibility of the striker. Should this equipment prove to be faulty and thereby cause the striker to touch a ball or balls, no foul will be called. The referee will, if necessary, reposition any balls in accordance with Rule 12 above and the striker, if in a break, will be allowed to continue without penalty.
19. Interpretation
(a) Throughout these Rules and Definitions, words implying the masculine gender shall equally apply to and include the female gender.
(b) Circumstances may necessitate adjustment in how Rules are applied for persons with physical handicaps. In particular and for example Section 3 Rule 14(c) cannot be applied to players in wheelchairs.
(c) When there is no referee, such as in a social game, the opposing player will be regarded as such for the purpose of these Rules.
SECTION 4 THE PLAYERS
1. Time Wasting
If the referee considers that a player is taking an abnormal amount of time over a stroke or the selection of a stroke, he shall warn the player that he is liable to have the game awarded to his opponent.
2. Unfair Conduct
For refusing to continue a game, or for conduct which, in the opinion of the referee is wilfully or persistently unfair, including continued time wasting after being warned under Rule 1 above or ungentlemanly conduct, a player shall lose the game.
3. Penalty
When a game is forfeited under this Section
(a) if it was to be decided on an agreed or stipulated number of points, the offender shall forfeit all points scored and the non-offender shall win the game by the agreed or stipulated number of points to nil, or
(b) if it was over an agreed or stipulated period of time and forms part of a match, the match shall be forfeited.
4. Non-striker
The non-striker shall, when the striker is playing, avoid standing or moving in the line of sight of the striker. He shall sit or stand at a reasonable distance from the table.
5. Absence
In the case of his absence from the room, the non-striker may appoint a deputy to watch his interests and claim a foul if necessary. Such appointment must be made known to the referee prior to departure.
6. Conceding
A player may only concede when he is the striker. The opponent has the right to accept or refuse the concession, which becomes null and void if the opponent chooses to play on.
SECTION 5 THE OFFICIALS
1. The Referee
(a) the referee shall
(i) be the sole judge of fair and unfair play
(ii) be free to make a decision in the interests of fair play for any situation not covered adequately by Rule,
(iii) be responsible for the proper conduct of the game under these Rules,
(iv) intervene if he sees any infringement of these Rules,
(v) clean any ball upon reasonable request by a player.
(b) The referee shall not
(i) answer any question not authorised in these Rules,
(ii) give any indication that a player is about to make a foul stroke,
(iii) give any advice or opinion on points affecting play, nor
(iv) answer any question regarding the difference in scores.
(c) If the referee has failed to notice any incident, he may take the evidence of the marker or other officials or spectators best placed for observation to assist his decision.
2. The Marker
The marker shall keep the score on the scoreboard and assist the referee in carrying out his duties. He shall also act as recorder if necessary.
3. The Recorder
The recorder shall maintain a record of each stroke played, showing fouls, hazards and cannons where appropriate and how many points are scored by each player or side as required. He shall also make a note of break totals, and calculate average scores per turn after the completion of the game.
4. Assistance by Officials
(a) At the striker's request, the referee or marker shall move and hold in position any lighting apparatus that interferes with the action of the striker in making a stroke.
(b) It is permissible for the referee or marker to give necessary assistance to handicapped players according to their circumstances
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rules_of_snooker The objective of the game of snooker is to strike the white cue ball with a cue so that it strikes the object balls in turn and causes them to fall into one of the six pockets. Points are scored for potting balls legally, in accordance with the rules described below, or in the event of a foul committed by the opponent.…
http://www.gamezer.com/en/rules/billiards/snooker_plus Snooker Plus is a cue sport based on snooker. The only difference is that in Snooker Plus you have two more colored balls - an orange ball (8 points) and a purple ball (10 points). The six standard snooker colors are potted in their usual order, followed by orange and purple.…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDNZKg8N7yA Aug 25, 2016 · Ronnie OSullivan Quadra Whammy Snooker plus Free Ball plus.…
https://www.wpbsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/official-rules-of-the-game.pdf Section 2 - Snooker SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS Standard definitions used throughout these Rules are hereinafter italicised. 1. Frame A frame of snooker comprises the period of the play from the start, see Section 3 Rule 3(c), with all the balls set as described in Section 3 Rule 2, each player…
http://www.billiardworld.com/snooker.html Rules of Snooker. Type of Game: International or "English" snooker is the most widely played form of snooker around the worl d. It is generally played on 6'x12' English billiard tables, with cushions that are more narrow than on pocket billiard tables and which curve smoothly into the pocket openings. 5 x 10 and snooker tables of even smaller playing dimensions may be used for the game.…
https://www.wpbsa.com/governance/rules-of-snooker/ These are the rules that govern how to play Snooker and Billiards. Download the rules of the game Explanatory notes to 2019 rules update (updated November 2019) Rules Committee The Rules Committee is chaired by senior referee Jan Verhaas, who is assisted by Brendan Moore, Paul Collier, Derek Budde, Martin Clark, Colin Humphries and ...…
https://www.snookercanada.ca/snooker-101/snooker-the-rules/ The objective of the game of snooker is to strike the white cue ball with a cue in the direction of other object balls and to pot these object balls in one of the six pockets. This must be done according to the rules of the game, described below. By potting object balls points can be scored.…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/News_of_the_World_Snooker_Tournament The News of the World Snooker Tournament was one of the leading professional tournaments of the 1950s and widely considered as being more important than the world championship due to the involvement of Joe Davis.The event was sponsored by the Sunday newspaper News of the World.The highest break of the tournament was four times 140 or more, which was unusual at that time.Established: 1949/50…
http://www.rulesofsnooker.com/snooker-for-beginners.html Snooker terminology: Pot - to put a ball into a pocket (and have it stay there) Foul - to do something against the rules Snookered - to be unable to roll the cueball in a straight line and hit the ball chosen. Ball ON - the ball you intend to hit with the cueball Fundamentals:…
https://www.gamedesire.com/game/snooker Snooker: a game for real gentlemen. Snooker is a game very often is associated with the pool table. However, the rules, and the type of table and balls differ from those that you know from the game of pool.First of all, snooker is played on an “English billiards” table, which is larger than the classic table, about 3.6 m long and 1.8 m wide.5/5(366)…
https://snookerdatabase.fandom.com/wiki/Snooker-Plus_Shootout The Snooker-Plus Shootout, currently referred to as the 8ballbetting.com Snooker-Plus Shootout for sponsorship purposes, is a professional non-ranking snooker tournament played under variant rules. The tournament was announced as part of the calendar for the 2015/16 season. However, a tournament using "Snooker-Plus" rules had been held by World Snooker from 1978 to 1981, but was not officially ...…
https://mastersofgames.com/rules/billiards-snooker-rules.htm The Rules of Billiards and Snooker ... Six "pockets" are situated one at each corner plus one at the centre of each long side of the table into which the balls can drop. The six pockets normally have a net or a small collecting channel to catch the balls. Two feet, five inches from one end, a line is drawn across the table called the "baulk ...…
https://www.gametablesonline.com/blog/snooker-rules-play-right-way/ The Rules of Snooker. Snooker is played with 15 red, 6 colored, and 1 cue ball. The goal is to pot a red ball first followed by a colored ball then red then colored, and so on and so forth. This red-colored sequence continues until all of the balls have been pocketed. If you fail to pocket the right ball, then it becomes the opposing players turn.…
http://www.snookermag.net/questions.htm All your snooker questions answered: four pages for the enthusiast, tips, questions, books, tournament reports and local snooker. Nearly 50 pages of snooker plus Cornish mining videos. On this page we shall be displaying all your questions and answers about snooker. ... but the rules on snooker cues, as far as I am aware, are that a cue must be ...…
https://www.billiards.com/article/official-bca-snooker-rules Official BCA Snooker Rules. Rules of Snooker Type of Game: International or "English" snooker is the most widely played form of snooker around the world. It is generally played on 6'x12' English billiard tables, with cushions that are more narrow than on pocket billiard tables and which curve smoothly into the pocket openings. 5 x 10 and ...…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_snooker Snooker plus, a variant with two additional colour balls (8pt orange and 10pt purple), allowing a maximum break of 210. The variation was created by Joe Davis in 1959 and used at the 1959 News of the World Snooker Plus Tournament. It failed to gain popularity. Tenball, a snooker variant specifically for the television show of the same name. A ...Highest governing body: WPBSA, IBSF…
https://www.theukrules.co.uk/rules/sport/snooker/index.html RULES FOR SNOOKER GAME: English snooker is a popular cue sport. The principles originated in the early 1900s from billiards rules games. Snooker is largely dominated by British players at the professional level. This is despite its popularization in India and China in recent years.…
https://www.wikizero.com/en/Snooker_plus The 1959 News of the World Snooker Plus Tournament was a professional snooker tournament sponsored by the News of the World.The event was played under the Snooker Plus rules, a variant of snooker with two additional colours (orange and purple). The tournament was won by Joe Davis with Fred Davis finishing in second place. It was the eleventh and final News of the World Tournament, which ……
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snooker Snooker gained its identity in 1884 when army officer Sir Neville Chamberlain (1856–1944), stationed in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, devised a set of rules that combined pyramid and black pool. The word snooker was a long-used military term for inexperienced or first-year personnel.Equipment: Snooker table, snooker balls, cue, ……
https://www.gamezer.com/en/rules/billiards/snooker_plus Snooker Plus is a cue sport based on snooker. The only difference is that in Snooker Plus you have two more colored balls - an orange ball (8 points) and a purple ball (10 points). The six standard snooker colors are potted in their usual order, followed by orange and purple.…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58sU2hKuVhg Mar 31, 2017 · We can exclusively reveal the decision to include Snooker Plus at the 40th Crucible Anniversary this year. Like, Dislike, Comment, and Share to give your opinion. https://www.thesnookergym.com ...Author: Snooker Coaching At The Snooker Gym…
https://www.wpbsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/official-rules-of-the-game.pdf Section 2 - Snooker SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS Standard definitions used throughout these Rules are hereinafter italicised. 1. Frame A frame of snooker comprises the period of the play from the start, see Section 3 Rule 3(c), with all the balls set as described in Section 3 Rule 2, each player…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/News_of_the_World_Snooker_Tournament The News of the World Snooker Tournament was one of the leading professional tournaments of the 1950s and widely considered as being more important than the world championship due to the involvement of Joe Davis.The event was sponsored by the Sunday newspaper News of the World.The highest break of the tournament was four times 140 or more, which was unusual at that time.Established: 1949/50…
https://www.gamedesire.com/game/snooker Snooker: a game for real gentlemen. Snooker is a game very often is associated with the pool table. However, the rules, and the type of table and balls differ from those that you know from the game of pool.First of all, snooker is played on an “English billiards” table, which is larger than the classic table, about 3.6 m long and 1.8 m wide.5/5(366)…
https://www.wpbsa.com/governance/rules-of-snooker/ These are the rules that govern how to play Snooker and Billiards. Download the rules of the game Explanatory notes to 2019 rules update (updated November 2019) Rules Committee The Rules Committee is chaired by senior referee Jan Verhaas, who is assisted by Brendan Moore, Paul Collier, Derek Budde, Martin Clark, Colin Humphries and ...…
http://www.snookermag.net/questions.htm All your snooker questions answered: four pages for the enthusiast, tips, questions, books, tournament reports and local snooker. Nearly 50 pages of snooker plus Cornish mining videos. On this page we shall be displaying all your questions and answers about snooker. ... but the rules on snooker cues, as far as I am aware, are that a cue must be ...…
http://www.billiardworld.com/snooker.html Rules of Snooker. Type of Game: International or "English" snooker is the most widely played form of snooker around the worl d. It is generally played on 6'x12' English billiard tables, with cushions that are more narrow than on pocket billiard tables and which curve smoothly into the pocket openings. 5 x 10 and snooker tables of even smaller playing dimensions may be used for the game.…
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Snooker Apr 25, 2007 · Snooker requires considerable precision and concentration, and the complexity of its rules makes it harder to master than other forms of billiards like pool. Once you get the hang of it, however, Snooker plays much like other beloved billiards games and is a fun way to challenge your sense of spatial awareness and control.92%(35)…
http://www.rulesofsnooker.com/snooker-for-beginners.html Snooker terminology: Pot - to put a ball into a pocket (and have it stay there) Foul - to do something against the rules Snookered - to be unable to roll the cueball in a straight line and hit the ball chosen. Ball ON - the ball you intend to hit with the cueball Fundamentals:…
https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/160/pool-snooker-billiards/snooker-rules-1667975/ Jun 05, 2017 · Two Plus Two About the Forums 2+2 Magazine Forum Best of 2+2 Marketplace & Staking Commercial Marketplace General Marketplace Offering Stakes Staking Feedback & Disputes Coaching & Training Coaching Advice Cash Game Poker Coaches Tournament / SNG Poker Coaches…
https://wikimili.com/en/Snooker Snooker plus, a variant with two additional colour balls (8pt orange and 10pt purple), allowing a maximum break of 210. [115] [116] The variation was created by Joe Davis in 1959 and used at the 1959 News of the World Snooker Plus Tournament. It failed to gain popularity. Tenball, a snooker variant specifically for the television show of the ...…
https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/160/pool-snooker-billiards/some-snooker-rule-questions-1156487/ Dec 15, 2012 · Re: Some snooker rule questions Another snooker question I have that I don't think I've seen come up whilst watching snooker; Say you have a free ball (green ball is the one on) and go for blue, but then end up potting the green, is this a foul?…
https://snookerdatabase.fandom.com/wiki/Snooker-Plus_Shootout The Snooker-Plus Shootout, currently referred to as the 8ballbetting.com Snooker-Plus Shootout for sponsorship purposes, is a professional non-ranking snooker tournament played under variant rules. The tournament was announced as part of the calendar for the 2015/16 season. However, a tournament using "Snooker-Plus" rules had been held by World Snooker from 1978 to 1981, but was not officially ...…
https://www.billiards.com/article/official-bca-snooker-rules Official BCA Snooker Rules. Rules of Snooker Type of Game: International or "English" snooker is the most widely played form of snooker around the world. It is generally played on 6'x12' English billiard tables, with cushions that are more narrow than on pocket billiard tables and which curve smoothly into the pocket openings. 5 x 10 and ...…
https://www.theukrules.co.uk/rules/sport/snooker/index.html RULES FOR SNOOKER GAME: English snooker is a popular cue sport. The principles originated in the early 1900s from billiards rules games. Snooker is largely dominated by British players at the professional level. This is despite its popularization in India and China in recent years.…
https://www.snookercanada.ca/snooker-101/snooker-the-rules/ The objective of the game of snooker is to strike the white cue ball with a cue in the direction of other object balls and to pot these object balls in one of the six pockets. This must be done according to the rules of the game, described below. By potting object balls points can be scored.…