Snooker Games to Play

Snooker is a cue sport that originated toward the end of the 19th century. It is played on a 6-by-12-foot table that has pockets in all four corners and the middle of both side cushions. The objective is to win frames by scoring more points than your opponent by potting a combination of red and colored balls. The number of frames in a match often depends upon the stage of the competition and the event itself.

  1. American Snooker

    • American snooker is a variant of traditional snooker. The game is typically played on a 4.5-by-9-foot or 5-by-10-foot table as opposed to a 6-by-12-foot table. As in traditional snooker, there are 15 red balls and six colored balls, and the objective is to score more points than your opponent. Points can be scored by potting red and colored balls and if the opponent commits a foul. Unlike in traditional snooker, however, the player must cause the cue ball or an object ball to make contact with a cushion or drop in a pocket after the cue ball has made contact with an object ball. If these regulations aren't adhered to, the shot is considered a foul and the opponent is awarded 7 points.

    Power Snooker

    • Power snooker is an abbreviated version of traditional snooker. There are nine red balls racked in the shape of a diamond, with the middle red referred to as the PowerBall. Potting the PowerBall counts for 2 points and triggers a two-minute session, when every potted ball counts double. However, if a shot is missed during the PowerPlay, the opponent assumes the remaining time. Games last for half an hour, and the player with the most overall points is the winner. The clock starts after the reds are broken at the start of each frame, only stopping when the final black is potted. In addition, players have 20 seconds to play a shot. If they violate the shot clock, they are assessed a 20-point penalty.

    Brazilian Snooker

    • Brazilian snooker principally applies the same rules as snooker's traditional format, but there is just one red ball and six colored balls. The colored balls are placed on their usual spots, but the red is placed halfway between the pink and the right-hand cushion. The player who breaks must play the red, but he is not allowed to pot it or snooker his opponent. Players must nominate a ball and pocket on each shot. With the exception of the break, players may play any ball on the table. If a player chooses to play the lowest-valued ball, it is a "free" shot and not considered a foul if he misses the pot. However, if a player nominates a different ball and fails to pot it, it is a foul and he is assessed a 7-point penalty.

    Six-Red Snooker

    • Six-red snooker--also referred to as "Super6s"--is a scaled-down version of traditional snooker. With just six red balls and six colored balls, frames are typically much shorter and matches are decided over the best of five or 10 frames. The aim of six-red snooker is to appeal to a younger generation of fans.