Here’s a clear, accurate, and well-structured explanation of snooker rules based on your image, with corrections to any errors or unclear phrasing:
Snooker Rules: A Complete Guide
Objective
Accumulate more points than your opponent by potting red and colored balls in sequence until all balls are cleared.
Ball Values
| Ball | Points |
|---|---|
| Red | 1 |
| Yellow | 2 |
| Green | 3 |
| Brown | 4 |
| Blue | 5 |
| Pink | 6 |
| Black | 7 |
Key Rules
1. Break-Off Shot
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The first shot (break-off) must be played from the “D” area (semi-circle) between the brown and yellow balls.
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The cue ball must hit a red ball first.
2. Gameplay (The Frame)
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Players alternate turns (breaks). A turn ends when:
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A player fails to pot a ball or commits a foul.
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All balls are potted (end of frame).
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Scoring: Points are tallied per successful pot during a single turn.
3. Potting Sequence
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Always start with a red ball. If potted, the player must then pot a colored ball of their choice.
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After potting a color, it is re-spotted (placed back on its original position) until all reds are cleared.
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Alternate between reds and colors until no reds remain.
4. Final Phase (Colors Only)
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Once all reds are potted, colors must be potted in ascending order of value:
Yellow (2) → Green (3) → Brown (4) → Blue (5) → Pink (6) → Black (7). -
Colors are not re-spotted in this phase (except if potted due to a foul).
5. Touching Ball Rule
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If the cue ball touches another ball, the referee declares a “touching ball.”
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The player must play away without moving the touched ball (or it’s a foul).
6. Fouls & Penalties
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Common fouls:
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Potting the cue ball (“scratch”).
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Hitting the wrong ball first (e.g., color before red).
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Push shots (cue ball remains in contact with an object ball).
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Penalty: Opponent receives 4+ points (or the value of the ball fouled, whichever is higher).
7. Winning the Frame
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The player with the highest score after all balls are potted wins.
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If scores are tied, the black ball is re-spotted for a tiebreaker.
Common Misunderstandings (Corrected)
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“Rock ball”: Typo for “red ball.”
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“Pull”: Incorrect term; use “pot” (UK) or “pocket” (US).
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Final Run Clarification: Colors are potted in order only after all reds are gone.
Pro Tips
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Safety Play: Sometimes, it’s strategic to deny your opponent easy pots.
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Spin Control: Use side spin (“English”) to position the cue ball for the next shot.
For official rules, refer to the World Snooker Federation (WSF). Need help with specific shots or strategies? Ask away! 🎱