Rules for playing snooker billiards briefly. Rules of the game of snooker with comments

Edit from April 27, 2006: You could find this note by searching “snooker rules” or something like that, but it does not contain any rules. Official text of the WPBSA rules at English language can be read at WorldSnooker.com. The best text of the rules in Russian, which the author was able to find, is on the Global Snooker Center website. This note explains why it is still better to read the rules in English.

“The rules of the game of snooker” are written on a bunch of Russian-language sites. In this case, rules are called general description the essence of the game, and not at all rules. For example, here I can write “football rules”:

Rules of the game of football

Football is played on a large green field with goals at the ends. 22 players are divided into two teams. There is also a referee on the field during the entire game. The game lasts 90 minutes, or, as decided by the referee, a longer time. The goal of the game is to score the ball into the opposing team's goal as many times as possible. The winning team is the one that scores the most goals during the game.

Players have the right to pass the ball to each other, or score it into the goal by touching it only with their feet. Touching the ball with your hand is considered a violation of the rules. A kick or hit to the eye by a player from the opposing team is considered a violation of the rules. For various mistakes and violations of the rules, a corner or penalty may be awarded. In case of a penalty, the player plays from a distance of 11 meters

This, of course, is somewhat similar to something, but still it’s more of an answer to the question “Why are these guys running around with a ball?” rather than the Rules of the game. There is no need to call such texts rules, and then also appear in first place in search engines(smiley).

What exactly is the problem? The fact is that in such superficial descriptions there are often errors or simply ambiguous wording. For example, in one of them I came across this thing:

A penalty of seven points is charged if:

• The player violated the rules at the moment when he had already potted a red, but had not yet ordered a color.
• The player scored several reds in a row.

What does "in a row" mean? One blow, or several successive blows? If it is with one blow, then this is simply incorrect, since any number of reds scored with one blow counts as a break. Apparently, this means several successive blows. Well, in this case this is only partly true: in the case when the player has already scored a red one, but has not yet ordered a colored one. However, this case was discussed in the previous line, so there is no point in mentioning it. In the case where the player has already scored a red and declared a colored one, the fall of the red as a result of the next hit will cost the player only the cost of the colored one (or 4 if the colored one is yellow or green). It’s another matter if he didn’t accidentally drop a red, but, in the judge’s opinion, purposefully played a red after an already played red (or a freeball replacing a red). But this situation is rather poorly described by the phrase “the player has scored several reds in a row” and, moreover, does not occur in nature...

Sometimes you come across completely wild things. For example, people write that “snooker is played on the same table as regular billiards.” In the Russian language there is no game at all called “billiards,” so “playing billiards” is something like “playing cards”: that’s what they say, but it’s not very true. When they say “play cards,” it is assumed that the interlocutor is either aware of what kind of game we are talking about, or it simply does not matter. In this case, this is important, it means that the reader is assumed to know what kind of billiard game we are talking about. For a Russian-speaking reader, “ordinary billiards” is most likely associated with the “American” game played in every second pub (Russian table and huge white balls, everything that is scored is yours). They don’t play snooker on the Russian table, that’s nonsense. In general, when you come across such a term, it immediately becomes clear that the text was thoughtlessly translated. In the original, presumably, it was written Billiards and it had to be translated as “English billiards”. And this at all another game (which is played, if I'm not mistaken, with only three balls).

American pool is a game whose main differences are the simplicity of the rules (they are close to the rules of snooker) and the relative cheapness of the tables (they are slightly smaller in size and lower), which made it an indispensable part of any pub and many cafes in Europe and America

The rules of high jump are quite close to the rules of curling - just as simple. Never read what they write on a gay site, yes.

In two or three places we managed to find a more or less clear description of the rules, for example this one, but for some reason there is no description of such a thing as Foul and a Miss. Well, that is, it’s not completely absent, there is this remark (3.3.9):

The player must, to the best of his strength and ability, try to hit the next ball. Otherwise, the judge declares a mistake.
Note: if it is impossible to hit the next ball, it is considered that the player is trying to hit it.

That's all. The judge declares a mistake, very good, well done. What does this mean, what happens next? Why can't we take the official rules and just translate them? Or has anyone seen full-fledged rules in Russian? Otherwise there is nowhere to even give people a link. Yes, I myself would read about Miss in Russian, because not everything is clear in the original description. Here's what the official rules say:

3.14. Foul and a Miss

The striker shall, to the best of his ability, endeavor 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.

1. 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 the latter case the ball on shall be the same as it was prior to the last stroke made, namely:
1. any Red, where Red was the ball on,
2. the color on, where all Reds were off the table, or
3. a color of the striker’s choice, where the ball on was a color after a Red had been potted.
2. 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.
3. After a miss has been called under paragraph 2 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 color), then:
1. 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
2. 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.
4. 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
1. the next player may elect to play the stroke himself or ask the offender to play again from the position left, or
2. 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
3. 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.
5. All other misses will be called at the discretion of the referee.
6. 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, colors incorrectly off the table will be spotted or replaced as appropriate.
7. 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.
8. During such consultation, if either player should touch any ball in play, he shall be penalized 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.
9. 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.

In particular, I don’t understand how to interpret point 5. Are there any advanced citizens who can explain this to me? I will be very glad to hear from you in the comments.

For those who are waiting for a moral: the note has no moral, I simply wrote it, poking into the search results for the query “snooker rules” and being surprised at what I found.

And now we should go to bed.

When playing "Snooker - 1 red" you should be guided by " General rules snooker", as well as the following rules.

2.1. Purpose of the game

Be the first (before your opponent) to score a given number of points.

2.2. Balls used

2.2.1. When playing Snooker - 1 Red, three standard snooker balls are used: white (as the first player's cue ball), yellow (as the second player's cue ball), and red.

2.2.2. The ball that the player hits with the cue is the player’s cue ball. The opponent's cue ball and the player's red ball are object balls.

2.3. Start of the game

2.3.1. The question of choosing a cue ball and who should start first is decided by a drawing (see paragraph 5 " General rules snooker"). The order of shots chosen in this way remains unchanged throughout the entire game.

2.3.2. The red ball is placed on a special mark, the player’s cue ball is placed in the sector and the game begins with a hand strike from the sector, while the cue ball is considered to be put into play immediately after contact with the cue sticker.

2.3.3. At the beginning of the game, the opponent's cue ball is not on the table. The opponent introduces him into the game with a punch from the sector after the player who started the game first has completed his first game approach.

2.4. Playing the game

2.4.1. Points are scored by playing the cue ball and object balls into the pockets, as well as through caroms (individually or in various combinations).

2.4.2. An object ball is considered pocketed if, after colliding with another ball, and without violating the rules, it falls into the pocket. This action is called playing an object (or someone else's) ball.

2.4.3. The cue ball is considered played (pocketed) if, after hitting the object ball, and without violating the rules, it falls into the pocket. If the cue ball touches both object balls, it is considered played from the first object ball hit. Playing the cue ball is also known as playing your ball (or brother-in-law).

2.4.4. A carom is a scoring shot in which the cue ball touches both object balls without violating these rules. Only one carom can be counted per stroke.

2.4.5. After a successful hit, the player continues his series, playing from the existing position or from his hand (in the case of playing the cue ball or touching balls, according to clause 2.10). After an ineffective hit, his playing approach ends and the opponent entering the game plays from the established position or from his hand from the sector if his cue ball is not on the table or touches another ball (see clause 2.10). After a violation, the opponent entering the game has the right to play from his hand from the sector, with both object balls being placed in accordance with clause 2.12.3(2).

2.5. Account management

2.5.1. Points for successful hits are added to the player's score. Penalty points for violations are added to the opponent's score.

2.5.2. Points are awarded as follows:

(1) Carom, played white, played yellow, brother-in-law from white and brother-in-law from yellow are each worth two points.

(2) Playing red and brother-in-law from red is worth three points.

2.5.3. If more than one ball is played in one shot and a carom is made, then they all count.

2.5.4. If a brother-in-law is combined with a carom, then the brother-in-law is assessed (in addition to the carom):

(1) three points if the cue ball first touches red;

(2) two points if the player's cue ball first touches the opponent's cue ball; or

(3) two points if both object balls are hit at the same time.

2.5.5. The game ends when the first player reaches or exceeds the set number of points

2.6. Hand strike from the sector

2.6.1. When performing a hand shot from a sector, the cue ball is located inside or on the border of the sector. The player can ask the referee if the cue ball is set correctly, and the referee must confirm that the ball does not go outside the sector.

2.6.2. The cue ball is not considered to be in play if the cue stick touches the cue ball when it is placed, and in the opinion of the referee, the player did not attempt to make a shot.

2.6.3. The cue ball must be sent away from home. If an object ball located outside the home is hit, the cue ball is considered to have been sent out from home, even if it does not physically cross the home line.

2.6.4. The cue ball must touch the edge or outside the house ball before returning to the house or touching the inside ball.

2.6.5. The cue ball can be played on a ball outside the house from the side bordering the house.

2.6.6. If the object ball is in the house, it cannot be played directly from the sector hand, even if part of the ball is physically outside the house.

2.7. Placing object balls

2.7.1. If a red ball is played or goes overboard, it is placed on a special mark, or:

(1) if the special mark is occupied, he is placed on the pyramid mark;

(2) if both the special and pyramidal marks are occupied, he is placed on the central mark.

2.7.2. If a red is played twice in a row or more than two times in a row when making consecutive strokes of the same series from a special or pyramid mark without scoring additional points (by carom, brother-in-law or playing the opponent's cue ball), it must be placed on the center mark:

(1) if the center mark is occupied, he must be placed on the pyramid mark;

(2) if both the central and pyramidal marks are occupied, he must be put back on the special mark, but in this case his play shall not be considered as part of successive plays from the special mark.

2.7.3. To continue playing the red ball without gaining additional points (due to carom, brother-in-law or playing the opponent's cue ball), it is placed twice on a special mark, then once on the center mark, and then in the same sequence if these marks are not occupied.

2.8. Limitation of carom series

2.8.1. A series of caroms without pocketing balls is limited to seventy-five caroms.

2.8.2 After seventy such caroms, the judge must announce: “Seventy caroms!” If the judge does not announce this in time, the player has the right to make five more such caroms after the judge announces seventy caroms.

2.9. Limitation of series of plays

2.9.1. Pitting is a scoring shot in which points are scored only by pocketing balls (without carom), including the following options:

(1) playing an object ball;

(2) playing the cue ball;

(3) playing two object balls;

(4) playing the object ball and cue ball; or

(5) playing two object balls and a cue ball.

2.9.2. A series of consecutive pocketing of balls without accompanying caroms is limited to fifteen strokes.

2.9.3. After ten such hits, the referee must announce: “Ten plays!” If the referee does not announce this in time, the player has the right to five more such plays after the referee announces ten plays.

2.9.4. If after the fifteenth play the opponent's cue ball is outside the playing surface of the table, it must be placed in the middle of the house line or (if it is occupied) in the right (home side) corner of the sector.

2.10. Touching ball

If the player’s cue ball stops close to another ball, then the referee announces: “Touching ball!”, after which, with the consent of both players, the Red ball is placed on a special mark, the opponent’s cue ball (if it is on the table) is placed on the Central mark, and the player continues the game with a stroke from the hand from the sector.

2.11. Fines

Fines are imposed in the following cases:

(1) when hitting the cue ball off the cue ball;

(2) when the cue ball touches the cue ball more than once during a single stroke;

(3) when making a shot until the balls have completely stopped;

(4) when both feet are lifted off the floor while hitting the cue ball with the cue;

(5) when striking out of turn;

(6) in case of incorrect play from the hand from the sector, including the initial blow;

(7) when playing the cue ball into the pocket directly or from the lip when hitting from the hand from the sector, when everything object balls are in the house;

(8) when jumping;

(9) when pushing through;

(10) when the ball jumps overboard;

(11) when more than fifteen consecutive pocketings of balls are made that are not accompanied by caroms;

(12) when more than seventy-five consecutive caroms are made, not accompanied by pocketing of balls;

(13) when touching during play a ball or a device used to mark the position of the ball to be cleared;

(14) striking before the referee has finished placing the balls;

(15) when the cue ball misses all object balls.

2.12. Continuing the game after a violation

2.12.1. If the player does not hit, then his approach ends immediately. If, in the opinion of the referee, he deliberately makes a stroke after the penalty has been called, he will be given another penalty for striking out of turn.

2.12.2 All points scored in the series before the violation is committed are counted, but the player does not receive points if the rules are violated during the strike.

2.12.3. All violations are punishable by a penalty of two points, but not more than two points per hit. In addition, the opponent entering the game has the right to play:

(1) from the established position (if the Red ball leaves the playing surface of the table, it must first be correctly placed); or

(2) from the hand from the sector, with the Red ball placed on a special mark, and the opponent’s cue ball on the Central mark. If the second option is chosen, then it is no longer possible to return to the first.

2.12.4. If the referee did not announce a penalty, and the player’s opponent did not demand its assignment before the next strike, then it is considered that there was no violation.

2.13. Rule for crossing the house line

2.13.1. In each of the 100-point runs between 80 and 99 points, the cue ball must cross the home line towards the house and stop with its center on the home line or between that line and the head board.

2.13.2. The referee must announce the need to cross the home line when 80 points are scored. If, in the opinion of the referee, the cue ball has crossed the house lines correctly, he must call the score and announce: “The house line has been crossed.”

2.13.3. When performing an off-hand shot from the sector, the player can return the cue ball to the house after hitting an object ball located outside the house or from the board, and then continue his series.

2.13.4. If the cue ball does not cross the house line within 80 - 99 points, then the player is penalized, and the opponent entering the game acts in accordance with the rule of continuing play after a violation.

The game involves two or more players using 15 red (1 point each), one each of yellow (2 points), green (3 points), brown (4 points), blue (5 points), pink (6 points) and black (7 points) balls. The cue ball is the white ball; hitting with the rest is prohibited.

* Video at the end of the article.

1. Purpose of the game- working with the cue ball, drive the balls into the pocket and score as many points as possible (more than the opponent(s)) without breaking the rules.

2. Table preparation. The Snooker table is an ordinary billiard table, divided in half (crosswise) by a chalk line. In one half there is a pyramid, and in the other there is a cue ball area, located 1/3 from the narrow edge of the table to the center. There a thin line is drawn parallel to the central one, in the center of which a semicircle is drawn.

3. Start of the game - breaking.

• The beginning player places the cue ball (white ball) anywhere in the semicircle and begins the game.
• The starting breaking rule remains for subsequent strikes.

4. Basic rules of Snooker.

No more than 60 seconds are allowed for each shot; a foul will be charged for delay.

• The player's first blow is delivered only white cue ball And only on the red ball. The rules are considered to be met if:

1. The white ball hit the red one.
2. The white ball is not pocketed.
3. Only the red ball(s) were in the pocket.

• If the red ball does not enter the pocket, the right to move passes to the next player.
• Each pocketed red ball is worth 1 point, and then the player can hit the colored balls.

A hit on a colored ball is considered completed according to the rules if:

1. The white ball is not pocketed.
2. The white ball first hits the colored ball (if there are red balls on the table).
3. If there are no red balls on the table, then the white one must hit the colored one with the lowest number.
4. The only ball in the pocket was the colored ball that was hit by the white cue ball.

In all other cases a foul will be called.

Pocketing the appropriate colored ball earns the player the points specified by the rules for the color of that ball.

If the shot was executed correctly, but the required ball did not fall into the pocket, the right to move passes to the next player.

After any potted colored ball, the red ball must be potted again, but if there are no more reds on the table, then the colored ball with the lowest number of points is hit.

As long as there are red balls on the table, you can carry out any successful series, for example: red (1 point) - blue (5 points) - red (1 point) - green (3 points) and the like. After all the reds leave the game, the order “from the least number of points per ball to the most” begins to apply.

5. Fouls and their consequences.

When a foul is called on one player, the other receives:

• 4 points for exceeding the 60-second limit or for pocketing a white ball.
• Points for the value of the balls if the cue ball hits the wrong ball first or pockets it.

If a hit results in multiple fouls, the opponent will receive the maximum amount of points (minimum penalty - 4 points).

The next player who receives the right to strike after a foul can either make a shot himself at the existing position of the balls, or transfer the right to play to the next player (if there are two players - the one who kicked, but received a foul) without changes in the current position of the balls.

6. End of the game.

If the cue ball and only one black ball remain on the table, then the following will be completed:

• If the cue ball pushes the black ball into the pocket.
• If the next shot is a foul.

Then the points scored are compared and the winner with the most points is declared. Often the last black ball is decisive, but sometimes the score is tied, then the “last black” is played again, placed in its place and hit by the cue ball from the “home”.

A very interesting video about the game of snooker and its rules:

Part 1. EQUIPMENT

Dimensions are given in feet and inches (dimensions in parentheses are rounded to the nearest millimeter).

1.1. STANDARD TABLE

(a) Dimensions
The playing field, bounded by the sides, must measure 11"8"" by 5"10"" (3569mm by 1778mm) with a tolerance of ±13mm in both dimensions.

(b) Height
The height of the table from the floor to the top edge of the handrail should be in the range of 2"9"" to 2"10"" (851 to 876 mm).

(c) Pockets
(i) Pockets should be located in the corners (2 at the top point - far pockets and 2 in the beam area - near pockets) and one in the middle of the long sides (middle pockets).
(ii) Pocket openings must conform to patterns approved by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

Here, “billiards” refers to one of the varieties of the game – “English” billiards. They play with three balls (each player has a cue ball and one common red) on the same table as snooker, points are awarded for caroms and laying other people's balls and your own.

(d) Beam and Beam Line
A straight line drawn 29" (737 mm) from the near side and parallel to it is called the beam line and limits the space of the beam.

(e) Sector "D"
Sector “D” is a semicircle located in the beam with a center in the middle of the beam line and a radius of 11"" (292 mm).

(f) Points
Four points are marked on the central longitudinal line of the table.
(i) A special point (known as the black point) 12"" (324 mm) from the far side.
(ii) The center point (blue point), located midway between the near and far sides.
(iii) Pyramid point (pink point), located midway between the center point and the far side.
(iv) Midpoint of beam line (brown point).
The other two points used are located in the corners of sector "D". When viewed from the near side, the point on the right will be a yellow point, and the point on the left will be green.

1.2. BALLS

The balls must be made of material approved by the Association and have a diameter of 52.5 mm (with a tolerance of ±0.05 mm), and
(a) they must be of the same mass (with a tolerance of 3 g for the entire set of balls);
(b) a ball or set of balls may be replaced by agreement between the players or by decision of the referee.

The balls have the following values:
Red – 1 point;
Yellow – 2 points;
Green – 3 points;
Brown – 4 points;
Blue – 5 points;
Pink – 6 points
Black – 7 points.

1.3. CUE

The cue must not be shorter than 3 feet (914 mm) or substantially different from the traditional and generally accepted shape and appearance.

1.4. AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT

A variety of cue machines, long cues, extensions and adapters can be used by players facing difficult positions when making shots.
You can use equipment usually found at the table, as well as equipment provided by another player or referee (see also). All extension cords, adapters and other devices must be of WPBSA approved design.

Part 2. DEFINITIONS

2.1. FRAME

The frame in snooker begins after the initial shot is made (with 3 balls set according to rule 2 of part).

Thus, the frame begins only after the cue ball is hit with the sticker (). Any action of the player that does not go beyond the bounds of decency is not punished until this moment. For example, in excitement the player played... yellow. The referee warns that the frame must be started by hitting the cue ball. There is no foul, the position is restored and the kick is taken again by the same player. In the game, such a strike carries a penalty of 7 points.
If the initial strike is made with incorrectly placed balls, then there is no penalty, and the frame is considered to have begun and the strike is not replayed (etc. and part 3).

The frame ends:
(a) by a concession by any player in turn;

The player must wait for his turn to hit before dealing the frame ().

(b) at the request of the striker, when only the black ball remains on the table and the difference in the score is more than seven points in his favor;

Since exactly seven points and no more can be played on the last, black ball, the player has the right not to continue the game if the lead is more than seven points.

(c) by a final pot or foul when only the black ball remains;
(d) by an award by a judge under a rule or rule

2.2. A GAME

The game consists of a prescribed or agreed number of frames.

2.3. MATCH

A match consists of a stipulated or agreed number of games.

2.4. BALLS

(a) The white ball is the cue ball.
(b) 15 Red and 6 Color are object balls.

2.5. HITTING AND APPROACH

The player about to take a shot or taking a shot is the kicker and remains so until the last shot of his approach is played or a foul is committed and the referee decides that the player has left the table. If a non-hitter approaches the table outside of his approach, he must be treated as a striker for any foul he may commit before leaving the table. When the referee decides that the above conditions have been met, the next player's approach begins. His approach and the right to take another blow ends when:
(a) he does not score any points after making the stroke; or
(b) he commits a foul; or
(c) he requests the opponent to play again after the opponent has committed a foul.

2.6. HIT

(a) The shot is made when the striker strikes the cue ball with the stick of the cue.
(b) The hit is considered legal if no violation of the Rules is committed.
(c) The stroke is not completed until:
(i) all the balls have not stopped;
(ii) the striker did not stand ready for the next stroke or did not leave the table;
(iii) any equipment used by the batter has not been stowed in a safe position; And
(iv) the referee did not announce the score relating to the stroke.
(d) The kick may be made directly or from the side, as follows:
(i) a shot is considered direct when the cue ball strikes the object ball without first hitting the board;
(ii) a shot is considered to be an off-side shot when the cue ball strikes one or more boards before striking the object ball.
(e) If the next player, after the last stroke of the opponent's approach, strokes/hits the cue ball before all balls have stopped, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker and his approach ends.

2.7. PLAYING

An object ball is considered to be pocketed if, after contact with another ball and without any violation of these Rules, it enters the pocket. And this process is called acting.

2.8. SERIES

A series is a set of plays of successive blows (with a cue) made by a player in one of the bursts during a frame.

Series (Break) is measured in points scored for playing balls. Usually in tournaments the biggest series is awarded with a prize. Series of 100 or more points are called “Century break”, which means series of hundreds. The streak of 147 points (Maximum break) stands out especially; To complete it, you must play a black ball after each red ball (15 times for 8 points equals 120) and then 6 colored ones (27 points). If a run starts with a free ball, then this can be worth an additional 8 points (free ball as red plus black), giving a theoretical maximum possible run of 155 points.

2.9. PLAY FROM HAND

(a) The cue ball is played from hand
(i) before the start of each frame;
(ii) when he was pocketed; or
(iii) when he was knocked off the table.

(b) The cue ball remains in this state until:
(i) it will not be played correctly from the hand;
(ii) a foul will not be committed while the ball is already on the table.

If a player, when playing from hand, when placing the cue ball in the sector, makes a mistake (for example, when placing the cue ball he moved the yellow one), but still holds it in his hand (i.e., the ball is not placed), then a foul is declared, and the cue ball must be played by hand again.
If the player sets the cue ball by releasing it from his hand and then touches the yellow ball, then a foul is declared and play is played from where the cue ball is.

(c) The striker is considered to be playing in hand when the cue ball is played in hand as described above.

2.10. BALL IN GAME

(a) The cue ball is in play when not played from hand.
(b) Object balls are in play from the start of the frame until they are pocketed or knocked off the table.
(c) Coloreds come back into play when they are fielded.

2.11. NEXT BALL

Any ball which, according to the rules, can be played by the first touch of the cue ball, or which cannot be played in this way, but which can be played, is considered to be on.

2.12. ORDERED BALL

(a) A called ball is an object ball which the striker declares or designates in a manner to the satisfaction of the referee and which he commits to play with his first touch of the cue ball.

The ball can be “nominated” (by making it clear by your appearance which ball will undoubtedly be played), or “declared” (saying out loud the color of the ball). If a player takes aim and clearly hits a free-standing ball, then in the event of a foul the penalty will be at his cost. If the player declared, the same thing. If a foul is committed before the ball is ordered, or the player hits without ordering the ball when everything was completely unclear, then there is a fine for a foul - and only 7! For example, having played red, the player moves along the board, choosing a ball, and at the same time touches any ball with his hand - a penalty of 7 points. The same if, after playing a red, the chalk drops and touches any ball, the penalty is 7 points.

(b) When called upon by the umpire, the striker must announce which ball he intends to play.

There are cases when it is necessary to declare a ball. Usually, if there are options (colors on the same line), then the player himself will tell the judge about the color, without waiting for the judge to ask him about it. If in doubt, the referee can and should ask the striker to name the color of the next ball. It is imperative to name the color of the ball when playing a free ball or when playing snooker on distant balls (for example, from reds over the side to beam balls). But after “Foul and miss” you can change the order and declare another color.

2.13. FREE BALL

A loose ball is a ball that the striker orders as the next ball when the cue ball is in the snooker after a foul ().

2.14. BALL KNOCKED FROM THE TABLE

A ball is knocked off the table if it does not come to rest on the playing surface of the table or in a pocket, or if it is picked up by the striker while the ball is in play, except as otherwise provided.

In the game, the striker can make a mistake and take a ball in his hand. This is a foul: the ball taken into hand is considered to be out of play, and the position is not restored. If this ball is colored, then it is placed on the spot, if the cue ball is played from home, and the red one is placed in the pocket. If this action was deliberate, with the goal of obtaining a benefit, then the player is punished for unsportsmanlike behavior ().
If the ball stops on the board, then according to the above rule it is considered to be knocked off the table, because it did not stop on the surface of the table.

2.15. FOUL

Any violation of these Rules is considered a foul.

2.16. SNOOKER

The cue ball is in snooker (camouflaged) if its path in a straight line when making a direct hit on each ball in progress is completely or partially blocked by a non-stroke ball or balls.
If it is possible to hit both ends of at least one ball without interference from off-balls, then the cue ball is not in snooker.

For this rule, the cue ball is not in snooker only when there is at least one regular ball on the table, both edges of which can be hit in a straight line without interference from non-regular balls, i.e., practically to the left and right of the ball must there should be a corridor the same diameter as the ball.
Moreover, if other regular balls or sides are an obstacle, then they are not considered such (when defining snooker, you should mentally imagine that they are not there).

(a) In hand play, the cue ball is in the snooker if it is masked as described above from all possible positions within or on the D line.
(b) If the cue ball is masked by more than one off-ball, then
(i) the ball closest to the cue ball is considered to be an effective masking ball, and
(ii) in the case of balls equidistant from the cue ball, all such balls will be considered to be effectively masking balls.

The concept of an "effectively" masking ball is used throughout the rules and Part 3.

(c) If the on ball is a red and there are reds on the table that are masked by different off-balls, then there is no effective masking ball.

If there are at least two red balls masked by different out-of-order balls (i.e., they do not have a common masking ball), then there is no effective masking ball.

(d) The striker is in the snooker when the cue ball is in the snooker as described above.

(e) The cue ball cannot be masked by the board. If the curved lip of the pocket blocks the cue ball's path, more so than any of the masking off-balls, then the cue ball is not in the snooker.

If none of the masking balls are visible at all from behind the lip of the pocket, then it is considered that there is no snooker.

2.17. BUSY POINT

A point is considered occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without touching another ball.

2.18. PUSH

A push is made when the cue stick remains in contact with the cue ball:

(a) after the cue ball has already begun its forward motion; or

That is, the player accompanies the cue ball for an inordinately long time and simply begins to “steer” it.

(b) when the cue ball touches the object ball; but when the cue ball and object ball are almost touching, the pass will not be counted if the cue ball hits the very edge of the object ball (i.e. at the limit cut).

Note that the rules do not impose restrictions on the trajectory of the cue ball after impact with the object ball. For example, it is allowed to perform a roll-up with rolling the cue ball forward to any distance in a situation where the gap between the cue ball and the object ball is less than half the diameter of the ball; upon impact, it is only necessary to ensure that the cue stops in a timely manner at this short distance, which is technically very difficult.

2.19. JUMP

A jump is made if the cue ball passes over any part of the object ball, whether it touches it in the process or not, except:

(a) when the cue ball first hits an object ball and then jumps another ball;
(b) when the cue ball bounces and hits an object ball but does not land beyond the off side of that ball;
(c) when, after properly hitting an object ball, the cue ball jumps over that ball after hitting the board or another ball.

2.20. MISSED THE BALL

A missed ball is recorded if the cue ball does not hit the next ball with its first touch and the referee believes that the striker did not make a good enough attempt to hit the next ball.

Part 3. GAME

3.1. DESCRIPTION

Snooker can be played by two or more people, team-on-team or individually. The game proceeds as follows:

(a) All players use the same white cue ball and 21 object balls: 15 Red worth 1 point and 6 colored (Yellow worth 2 points, Green – 3, Brown – 4, Blue – 5, Pink – 6 and Black – 7).

(b) The players in turn make the scoring shots by alternately playing reds and coloreds until there are no reds left on the table, and then coloreds in ascending order of value.

(c) Points awarded for successful hits are added to the batter's score.

(d) Penalty points for fouls are added to the opponent's score.

(e) The tactic used during the frame is to leave the cue ball behind off-balls so as to create a snooker for the next player. If a player (or side) loses more points than are left on the table, setting snookers in the hope of gaining points from fouls becomes most important.

(f) The winner of the frame is the player (side):
(i) the one with the most points;
(ii) to whom the frame was conceded;
(iii) to whom the victory was awarded by or.

(g) The winner of the game is the player (side):
(i) winning the greater or required number of frames;
(ii) the highest scorer, if the total score is taken into account;
(iii) to whom the victory is awarded under .

(h) The winner of the match is the player (or side) who wins the most games or scores the most points when the total points are taken into account.

3.2. BALL ARRANGEMENT

(a) At the start of each frame the cue ball is played in hand and the object balls are set as follows:
(i) Reds - in the shape of a tight equilateral triangle, the head ball as close to the pink as possible without touching it, the base parallel to and close to the far side;
(ii) Yellow – to the right corner of sector “D”;
(iii) Green – to the left corner of sector “D”;
(iv) Brown – to the middle of the beam line;
(v) Blue – to the central point;
(vi) Pink – on the point of the pyramid;
(vii) Black – to a special point.

The balls are placed in the following order: one by one, all the balls are taken out of the pockets (When placing the balls, you should not throw them out of the box or throw them on the cloth, so as not to spoil them.), the beam balls are placed, then blue, red in the shape of a pyramid, black and finally pink at the top of the pyramid. The distance between the pink and the head red is checked. It should be as small as possible, but without touching the balls. In practice, the pyramid of reds is installed so that the distance between the pink and the head red is 1–5 mm; and at least pink should not be played into the far corner pockets. You should check whether black, pink, blue and brown are located on the same line. Before the start of the game, the referee should also make sure that there are points on the table and that each color can be placed on its point. If this is not possible due to a defect in the table, the referee must decide where he will place the ball and inform all players about this. The cue ball during installation is under the control of the referee, next to the pyramid. When the referee is satisfied with the set-up, he goes to the near board, announces the score and the starting frame, and places the cue ball against the board.

(b) Once a frame has begun, a ball in play may only be cleared by the umpire at the reasonable request of the striker, and

(i) the position of the ball, if not on the spot, must be marked suitable device before lifting the cleaning ball;
(ii) the device used to mark the position of a ball being cleaned will be treated as that ball until it is cleaned and replaced. If any non-striker touches or moves the device, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker, but without changing the order of play. The referee must return the device or ball being cleared to its position at his discretion, even if it has been lifted.

3.3. PROGRESS OF THE GAME

Players determine the order of play by lot or by mutual agreement.

When drawing lots, do not throw a coin on the cloth! A rapidly spinning coin that falls can cut through it. After the initial kick is played, the referee marks the striker in the score sheet, and then controls the attack.

(a) The order of play so determined shall remain unchanged throughout the frame unless the next player requests further play after any foul.

(b) The kickoff players/sides must alternate each frame during the game.

If a player takes the kickoff out of turn, he is penalized for playing out of turn.

(c) The first player plays from hand, the frame begins after the cue ball is placed on the table and comes into contact with the cue stick or
(i) because the kick is made, or
(ii) when addressing the cue ball.

(d) For a hit to be considered legal, none of the violations described in .below must occur.

(e) For the first shot of each turn, until all reds have left the table, a red or red-ordered free ball is the next ball and the value of each red or free ball played is counted.

(f)
(i) If a red or red free ball is bowled, the same player plays the next stroke and the next ball is any color of the striker's choice; in case of play, the colored one is counted and placed.
(ii) The series continues with red and colored balls being played alternately until all red balls have left the table; and as soon as this has happened, a color must be played after the last red played.
(iii) Then the next balls become colored ones in order of increasing value according to the rule; and when the next color is played, then it is no longer put out (except as provided below in rule 4) and the striker plays the next color.

You should not confuse the situation when the ball is played and when it is pocketed. If the next color is pocketed, but there is an error when hitting, then it should be put out, since it was not played.

(g) Reds are not re-tabled after being once pocketed or knocked off the table, even though a player may thereby benefit from a foul. Exceptions to this rule are provided in the rules , , and .

Although red balls are not put out, if a player, breaking the rules in the hope of getting a benefit, deliberately knocks out the “extra” balls from the table not by hitting (but, for example, by simply pushing them into a pocket with a cue or hand), then he is not simply punished foul and will be subject to more severe penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, up to and including disqualification. Snooker is a gentleman's game!

(h) If the striker fails to score or commits a foul, the turn of play passes to the next player, who must take the stroke from where the cue ball stopped, or from the hand if the cue ball is not on the table.

3.4. END OF FRAME, GAME AND MATCH

(a) When only black remains on the board, the first scoring strike or foul ends the frame unless both of the following conditions are met:

(i) the score is tied and
(ii) the final score does not count.

(b) When both conditions described in (a) above occur:
(i) black is set again;
(ii) players draw lots to choose the order of play;
(iii) the next player takes a kick;
(iv) the next scoring strike or foul ends the frame.

(c) If the winner of a game or match is determined by the final score and the sides are tied at the end of the last frame, then the players in that frame must follow the black procedure set out in (b) above.

(d)* (i) If, at the end of any series after a player leaves the table, only the colored balls and cue ball remain in play (not played in hand), and the score becomes such that 4 (Four) snookers or more are required, then the referee must award defeat in this frame to the player who needs these snookers.
(ii) This rule does not apply in the last frame if the frame scores are equal.

3.5. PLAY FROM HAND

To play from the hand, the cue ball must be placed inside the “D” sector or on its line; You can play on any next ball in any direction.

You can play on the next balls located in sector “D”, as well as play them into any pockets.

(a) The referee must answer, if asked by the striker, whether the cue ball is properly placed in sector "D".

(b) If the cue stick touches the cue ball when it is set and the umpire considers that the striker did not attempt the shot, then the cue ball is not yet in play.

When playing from the hand, the cue ball can be set with a cue and even touched with a sticker, but only if there was no attempt to strike or aim.

3.6. HIT TWO BALLS AT THE SAME TIME

You cannot play the cue ball with the first touch on two balls at the same time, other than the two red ones or the free ball and the next ball.

3.7. EXHIBITION OF COLORS

Any color that is pocketed or knocked off the table must be put out before the next shot is played until the final play of rule begins.

(a) The player is not responsible for any errors by the umpire in fielding any ball.

(b) If a color is placed incorrectly after playing in ascending order of value according to , then upon discovery of the error it must be removed from the table without penalty and play continued.

(c) If a stroke is made with a ball or balls incorrectly lined, they will be considered correctly lined for subsequent strokes. Any person of color wrongfully missing from the table must be shown:

(i) without penalty when it is found to be missing due to a previous oversight;
(ii) with a penalty if the striker played before the umpire could physically field the ball.

A player is not penalized for playing with incorrectly placed colors, unless he played so quickly (intentionally or impulsively) that the referee simply did not have time to place the ball and had not yet announced the value of the series after playing the color.

(d) If a color is to be fielded and his own spot is occupied, he should be placed on the free spot of the highest value ball.

(e) If there is more than one color to be placed and their own spots are occupied, then the ball of higher value must have priority in the order of placing.

(f) If all points are occupied, the color must be placed as close as possible to his own point, between that point and the nearest part of the far side.

If all the points are occupied, then the ball is placed strictly up from its point or, if there is no space there, down. For example, after playing a brown, the cue ball stopped near its point; when the ball is placed, it will be a snooker, unless, of course, there are no reds in the ball.

(g) In the case of a pink or black, if all the spots are occupied and there is no space available between the corresponding spot and the nearest part of the far side, then the color must be placed as close as possible to its own spot on the center line of the table below the spot.

(h) In any case when a color is spotted, it must not touch another ball.

(i) The color ball to be fielded must be placed on the spot designated in these Rules by hand.

3.8. CONTACTING BALL

(a) If the cue ball stops touching another ball (or balls) that is or may be on, the referee must call "Touching Ball" and indicate which ball (or balls) the cue ball is touching.

If the cue ball touches several red balls, which are in turn at that moment, then the referee is obliged to announce them all and point to each of them with a vertically pointed finger. In this case, he declares "Touching Balls" rather than the ball.

(b) When a touching ball is called, the striker must play the cue ball away from that ball without causing it to move; otherwise a push will be recorded.

If the cue ball touches the ball, you must play away from it. A blow even at extreme cutting in this situation will be considered a push. If this ball is the next one, then it is considered that the ball was struck immediately after the cue ball came off. Therefore, if, when hitting away from it, the cue ball, for example, jumps over another ball, then there will be no jump.

(c) If the striker does not cause the ball in contact to move, there will be no penalty if:
(i) this ball is another;
(ii) the ball may be on and the striker declares it as such; or
(iii) this ball could have been the next ball, but the striker orders another ball to be the next and hits it first.

If, with a correct hit, the contacting ball begins to move, for example, rolling into a hole on the surface of the table, then there is no error (rule (f) below).

(d) If the cue ball stops touching or nearly touching a ball that is not on, the referee, if asked about the touch, must answer “Yes” or “No.”
The striker must play away from it without touching it, but first he must hit the next ball.

(e) If the cue ball touches an on and off ball, the referee must indicate only the off ball as touching. If the striker asks the referee whether the cue ball is also touching the off-ball, he must answer.

(f) If the official considers that any movement of the ball in contact at the moment of the stroke was not caused by the action of the striker, he shall not call a foul.

(g) If a stationary object ball, not touching the cue ball during the referee's check, comes into contact with the cue ball before the shot is made, the balls must be reset by the referee at his discretion. This also applies to a touching ball that ceases to touch the cue ball during the referee's inspection; all balls must be reset by the referee at his discretion.

3.9. BALL ON THE EDGE OF THE POCKET

(a) If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball and it would not have taken any part in the stroke, it must be replaced and all points scored count.

(b) If, as a result of a stroke, he would have been hit by any ball involved in the stroke, and this has happened:
(i) without breaking these Rules, then all balls are replaced and the same striker may play the stroke again or make another stroke at his discretion;
(ii) with a foul, then the offender incurs the prescribed penalty, all balls are replaced and the next player has the normal choice after a foul.

If the foul was caused directly by a ball standing on the edge falling into a pocket, then there is no penalty and rule 9(b)(i) applies. For example, another red stands on the edge, it is played with a draw, but it falls into the pocket during the shot, and as a result, the cue ball flies into it. There is no foul here, but the position is restored.
The same situation, but the player hits slightly inaccurately, and the cue ball would still not hit the ball; then a foul is called, the ball is returned to the edge, and play continues.

(c) If a ball balances briefly on the edge of a pocket and then falls into the pocket, it should be considered to have been pocketed and not replaced.

When the ball “hovered” over the pocket, they wait for it to fall for about 4-5 seconds: if the ball falls, then it counts, if not, move on to the next shot.

3.10. SNOOKER AFTER A FOUL

If, after a foul, the cue ball hits the snooker, the referee must call “Free Ball” (see).
(a) If the next player in turn decides to take the stroke himself, then
(i) he can order any ball as a regular one and
(ii) the ordered ball must be treated as a regular ball, acquiring its value and status, except that if it is played, it must be fielded.

(b) A foul will be called if the cue ball
(i) fails to hit the ordered ball first or at the same time as the next ball, or
(ii) will be effectively masked by the ordered free ball unless only the pink and black balls remain on the table.

(c) If a loose ball is played, it is spotted and the value of the next ball is counted.

(d) If the next ball is played after the cue ball has hit the first ball ordered or ordered at the same time as the next ball, the next ball is counted and remains out of the table.

(e) If both the ordered ball and the next ball are played, only the next ball counts; but if the next ball was red, then the value of each ball played is counted. The free ball is then fielded and the next ball remains out of the table.

For the offender there is no free ball, but for his opponent the free ball is an additional opportunity to benefit from the violation.

3.11. FOULS

If a foul is committed, the referee must immediately call a foul.

An ethical player must admit to making a mistake, of course, if he himself is sure of it, since sometimes it may simply seem that he was mistaken; in this case, let the judge decide.

(a) If the striker does not make a stroke, his turn ends immediately and the referee must call a penalty.

If, after calling a foul and a penalty (which may immediately result in a change of shot order), the offending player still takes a shot, he may be penalized again for playing out of turn under the rule.

(b) If the stroke is made, the referee will wait until the stroke is completed before calling a penalty.

(c) If a foul is not called by the referee and not called for by the non-striker before the next stroke is taken, the fault is forgiven.

(d) Any incorrectly placed color must remain where placed; but if it is not on the table, it must be correctly displayed.

(e) All points scored in the series before the foul are scored, but the striker does not receive any points for any pocketed balls on a foul shot.

(f) The next shot is played from where the cue ball stopped, and if it is off the table, it is played from hand.

(g) If more than one foul is committed during a stroke, the highest penalty will be assessed.

(h) The player who committed the foul
(i) receives the penalty prescribed in , and
(ii) must play the next stroke if requested by the next player.

3.12. FINES

All fouls are subject to a penalty of four points unless specified below in (a) through (d). larger size fine

The fine is imposed in the following amount.

(a) In the amount of the cost of the next ball for:
(i) hitting the cue ball more than once;

Hitting the cue ball more than once usually occurs during a kick or push.

(ii) hitting the cue ball with both feet off the floor;

As long as the cue ball does not come off the sticker when it is struck, at least one foot must be in contact with the floor (only the toe of the shoe is possible), unless the player is playing in a wheelchair. But after the cue ball comes off the sticker, you can jump on the floor or slip and even hang on the table.

(iii) playing out of turn;

A situation may arise when playing pairs against pairs, when the wrong partner performs the kick; during the initial kick or when, after a foul, the opponent takes a position, but the offender does not understand this and plays himself.

(iv) improper hand play, including kickoffs;

For example, when hitting the cue ball was placed outside the “D” sector.

(v) the cue ball misses all object balls;
(vi) placing the cue ball in the pocket;
(vii) loose ball snooker;
(viii) jump;
(ix) playing with an obscene cue;
(x) meeting with a partner in spite of .

(b) In the amount of the value of the next ball or the affected one, if more expensive, for:
(i) striking when not all the balls have stopped moving;
(ii) striking before the color umpire has completed his fielding;
(iii) pocketing an off-ball;
(iv) hitting an off-ball with the first touch of the cue ball;
(v) pushed through;
(vi) touching the game ball other than the cue ball when making a stroke;
(vii) knocking the ball off the table.

(c) In the amount of the value of the next ball or the greater of two balls if they are hit with the cue ball at the same time, except when it is two red or a loose ball and the next ball.

(d) To the extent of seven points if the striker:
(i) uses a ball that is not on the table for any purpose;

(ii) uses any object to measure intervals or distances;

Do not use any objects for measurements. For example, you cannot mark with chalk the direction of the shot when playing from the board, placing it on the board, or use an already played ball to check whether the cue ball will pass between the ball and the board.

(iii) plays red after potting a red or free ball in successive strokes;

If the striker plays a colour, but on the way to him the cue ball slightly touches the red, then in this case the penalty is awarded in the usual manner, i.e. it will be maximum only if the next ball was black.

(iv) uses any ball other than a white ball as the cue ball for any shot immediately after the start of the frame;

That is, when touching any object ball with a sticker.

(v) makes a mistake in calling a called ball when asked to do so by the referee;

The striker is subject to the maximum penalty if he fails to declare the next ball when required by the referee or the situation dictates! For example, it is necessary to order a ball if the colored players are on the same line of hitting or if a free ball is being played.

(vi) after potting a red or a free ball ordered by a red, commits a foul before ordering a colour.

Once a player has requested an opponent to play again after a foul or has requested the ball(s) to be moved after calling "Foul and Miss", such request cannot be withdrawn. The offender who is asked to continue playing has the right to:
(a) change your intentions regarding
(i) what stroke he will perform; And
(ii) which next ball he will try to hit;
(b) score for any ball or balls he may play.

3.14. INTENTIONAL MISS

The striker, to the best of his ability, must make an effort to hit the next ball. If the judge considers that the Rule has been violated, then he must declare a Foul and Miss, unless there is only one black ball left on the table or a situation has arisen where it is impossible to hit the next ball.

When applying the “Miss the Ball” rule, it must be taken into account that it should not serve as a source of gaining points in a situation where the opponent is in a difficult position, but to prevent his careless and especially dishonest play when getting out of a difficult situation. Here under foul play is understood as an attempt by the player, having violated the rule (the player does not try to hit the next ball with the first touch) and receiving a minimum penalty, to avoid gaining a position on the opponent.

In the latter case, the striker must be considered to be attempting to hit the next ball, provided that he plays straight or away from the ball in the direction of the next ball with sufficient force, in the opinion of the referee, to reach the next ball due to the masking balls.

For example, one of the following positions arose: the cue ball stopped on the edge of the pocket and another ball rolled up to it, blocking all the paths, or the cue ball fell into a cluster of reds so that there is not a single crack for passage to the colored ones. What then? The referee does not call a “Miss” if the player strikes with the required force and along a trajectory as close as possible to the one along which the cue ball could have passed to the target if not for interference. That is, he doesn’t just touch the cue ball or push it anywhere.

(a) Once a Foul and Miss is called, the next player may, at his discretion, require the offender to continue playing from the abandoned position or from the original position; in the latter case, the next ball must be the same as before the last stroke, namely:

(ii) colored, when there are no reds left on the table;
(iii) a color of the striker's choice when the next ball was a color after a red was played.

(b) If, in making a stroke, the striker fails to hit the ball on with his first touch from a position where there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to any part of any ball which is or may be on, the referee shall call a Foul and Miss if only
(i) no penalty is incurred by any player before or as a result of the stroke; (see (b)(ii))
(ii) before or after the shot, the number of points on the table is equal to the difference in the score, without taking into account the value of the black ball re-spotted and the referee is satisfied that the miss was unintentional.

(c) After calling a Miss under (b) above, when there was a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to a ball that is or may be on, such that a head-on impact was possible (in the case of reds, the full diameter of any red not masked is taken colored), then:
(i) a repeated failure to hit another ball while making a stroke from the same position shall be called a Foul and Miss regardless of the difference in score, and
(ii) if required to play again from the original position, the offender must be warned by the referee that a third unsuccessful attempt will result in the award of victory for that frame to the opponent.

(d) If, after the cue ball has been recovered under this rule, the striker fouls any ball, including the cue ball, while preparing to make a stroke, no miss is called unless the stroke is made. In this case, an appropriate penalty is imposed, and the next ball must be the same ball as before the last stroke made, namely:
(i) any red ball when the next ball was red;
(ii) the next color, when there are no reds left on the table,
(iii) a color of the striker's choice when the next ball was a color after a red was played;
And
(iv) the next player may choose to take the stroke himself or require the offender to play again from the abandoned position;
(v) the next player may ask the referee to restore the original position and the offender to play again;
(vi) if the above situation occurs when consecutive misses are declared, then any warning that a frame may be awarded to his opponent remains valid.

(e) All other misses are declared at the discretion of the umpire unless, before or after the stroke, the number of points on the table equals the difference in the score, without taking into account the value of the black ball re-spotted.

In what cases should a “Miss” be declared? automatically:

1. The shot was too quiet. The player strives to only lightly touch the object ball and roll slightly towards it so as not to give up position. The intent is obvious. Therefore, if the cue ball has not reached even a fraction of a millimeter, “Foul and miss” follows with all the ensuing consequences.
2. The blow was taken too hard. The player aims from the side at a ball standing separately in the active position. He hits hard to remove the ball from a good position and roll the cue ball further away. But it is known that any increase in impact increases the error. Therefore, if you miss on a strong blow - “Miss”. We must remember that simply to hit the ball from the side, the player makes a calm, measured blow.
3. There is a group of regular balls on the table, which is not difficult to hit, but you can play out the position. Therefore, the player strives to hit a free-standing ball, for example, near the side.
4. You can play from one side, but the player plays from two sides in order to hit the object ball further away. This means that if a more difficult way out of snooker is chosen, then if you miss - also “Foul and miss”. It also happens that the simplest way is a dribbling shot, and the player is trying to hit from two or three sides. The same.
5. The player potted a red, but the cue ball was buried in a cluster of reds. You can play from the board on black, but the cue ball will remain near the red ones and an attack may follow. Therefore, the player hits, for example, on the green (if he hits, then the opponent has to play from afar, and if he misses, then the penalty is no longer 7, but only 4). The trick is clear, which means “Miss”.
6. On the way to the next ball, the cue ball hits any ball. This is undoubtedly a “Miss”, because. the trajectory was chosen incorrectly. Hit differently.
7. The obligatory “Miss” follows an openly careless, unprepared blow or a blow in the hearts, with anger. (Here the judge is obliged to declare a miss for educational purposes, even if someone needs snooker!)

The judge may not give a “Miss” if a rather difficult, but justified and measured blow was performed. The referee may take into account that the player hit from the ball or that in order to hit the cue ball must be held close to another ball or other difficulties.
Every tournament must have the same standard for assigning a miss. For example, both experienced and beginners participate in the European Championships. But the approach to assigning a “Miss” depends not on the player’s qualifications, but on the level of competition. This is how professionals almost always hit until they hit, or until the opponent wants to play from the created position, or until snooker is no longer needed.

(f) After a miss and the next player is required to reposition the cue ball, any displaced object balls must remain in place unless the referee considers that this would give the offender an advantage. In the latter case, any or all of the displaced balls may be replaced at the discretion of the referee; but in any case, coloreds unduly absent from the table must be properly displayed or moved.

How to restore a position? The qualifications of the arbitrator are important here. If a player bets snooker, then the judge, as if by chance, should look at how close the cue ball is to the nearest masking ball and where the straight line connecting the cue ball with this ball leads. If they are close, then you need to estimate where the player hits this ball (for example, how close to the middle pocket). This helps to restore the position later. Note that this must be done casually, otherwise the referee puts pressure on the player by his actions, anticipating his possible mistake in advance. The balls are recovered approximately, but the cue ball and the nearest ball, as well as the next ball, must be recovered as accurately as possible. If the reds roll out, then they gather in a group of the same volume and so that the outermost reds go or do not go into the pocket, as before the attempt. If a red one falls into the pocket, then it is taken out and placed in its original place (this is a rare case when a fallen red one is restored). Players may make adjustments to the placement of the balls when regaining position, but they may not touch any of the balls. If there is a disagreement between the players regarding the restoration of the position, the referee himself makes the final decision.

(g) When any ball moves after a miss, then both players are consulted as to its position, after which the umpire must make the final decision.

(h) If any player, during such consultation, touches any play ball, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker, but without changing the order of play. The affected ball must be repositioned by the umpire if necessary at his discretion, even if it has been lifted.

(i) The next player may ask the umpire his intention to move balls other than the cue ball if he asks his opponent to play from the original position, and the umpire must communicate his intentions.

The following rule applied to amateur snooker in 2004.
14.1 *
When a Foul and Miss is called twice in a row in a full snooker situation and the offender is forced to play again from his original position, he must be warned by the referee that if a Foul and Miss is called a third time, the next player will have the option of:
(i) Request the offender to play from where the cue ball stopped;
(ii) Play yourself from the created position;
(iii) Play from your hand with all the remaining balls on the table.
(a) When a Foul and Miss is called, the offender must demonstrate on each attempt that he is making a genuine effort to hit the next ball. If this condition is violated, the judge must apply , or .

3.15. BALL MOVED BY THE NON-HITTER

If a ball, stationary or in motion, is moved by the no-striker, it must be placed, without penalty, back on the spot where he thought the ball was or would have come to rest.
(a) This rule shall include cases where some event or person other than the striker's partner causes the striker to move the ball.
(b) No player may be penalized for any movement of balls by the umpire.

3.16. STAMELE POSITION

If the referee believes that there is a stalemate on the table (or the situation is approaching one), then he must ask the players to immediately replay the frame. If any player objects, the referee must allow play to continue with the condition that the situation must change within the stated period at the referee's discretion. If the situation remains substantially unchanged after the stated period has expired, then the umpire must void all points and re-set all balls as for the start of the frame, and:
(a) the same player must take the kick-off;
(b) the same order of play must be followed.

3.17. SNOOKER FOR FOUR

(a) Each side shall begin frames alternately, the order of play shall be determined at the beginning of each frame and thereafter shall be maintained throughout that frame.

(b) Players may change order of play at the start of each frame.

(c) If a foul is committed and play is called for, the player who committed the foul takes the kick again (even if the foul was made while playing out of turn) and the original order of play remains such that the offender's teammate may lose his turn to kick.

(d) When the frame ends in a draw then . If it is necessary to put black again, the pair taking the first shot has the right to choose the player who will take this shot. The order of play must then be maintained as in the frame.

(e) Partners may confer during a frame, but
(i) not while either of them is the striker and is at the table, and
(ii) not after the first hit in the batter's turn until the end of the series.

3.18. USING AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT

It is the batter's responsibility to place and remove any equipment he may use at the table.
(a) The batter is responsible for any equipment, including but not limited to clippers and extension cords, that he brings to the table, whether owned or borrowed (except from the umpire); he will be penalized for any fouls made while using this equipment.
(b) Equipment provided by another party (including the umpire) and normally kept at the table is not the responsibility of the batter. If this equipment is found to be defective and thus causes the striker to touch the ball or balls, no foul will be called. The umpire will, if necessary, re-place any balls in accordance with and the striker will be allowed to continue the run without penalty.

3.19. INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES

(a) Throughout these rules and definitions, words implying the masculine gender shall be equally treated and include the feminine gender.

(b) Circumstances may require regulation of how the Rules apply to disabled people. In particular, for example:
(i) the rule cannot be applied to players in wheelchairs;
(ii) the player, on request of the referee, must be told the color of the ball if he is unable to distinguish between colors, for example, red and green.

(c) When no referee is appointed for the game, e.g. social game, the opposing player (or side) must act as a referee in order to comply with these Rules.

When a referee is not appointed, the opponent takes over. He places the balls, counts the series, calling out its value out loud after each play, and determines fouls. At the same time, he must behave like a referee: not interfere with the shot, not be in the field of view of the striker, not escalate the situation by closely peering to see if the player is about to commit a foul, for example, by touching the ball with his hand.
The score is shown on the scoreboard only after the end of the series. It is recommended to mark the score with two rather than one slider. This is necessary so that the slider of one player accidentally moved when establishing the score of another does not interfere with restoring the score. Still, it’s more difficult to move two at once.

Part 4. PLAYERS

4.1. TIME WASTED

If the referee believes that a player is taking too much time in making or selecting a shot, he must warn the player that he will be required to award the frame to his opponent.

4.2. UNSPORTING CONDUCT

For refusal to continue a frame or for persistent and deliberately incorrect behavior in the judge's opinion, including continuing to stall after a warning under Rule 1 or ungentlemanly behavior, the player will lose that frame and the referee must warn him that if such behavior continues, then he will lose the game.

4.3. SANCTIONS

(a) If a frame is awarded under rule 2 of this part, the offender:
(i) loses the frame and
(ii) loses all points scored and the opponent receives a number of points equivalent to the value of the remaining balls on the table: 8 points for each red, and any color illegally missing from the table must be counted as if fielded.

(b) If the game is awarded on the basis of , the offender:
(i) plays the frame as described in (a) above, and
(ii) additionally plays the required number of frames to complete the game, if frames are used, or
(iii) additionally loses the remaining frames 147 to 0 if the final score applies.

4.4. HITTER'S OPPONENT

When the batter is playing, his opponent must avoid standing or moving on the line of sight. He should sit or stand at a reasonable distance from the table.

4.5. EXCEPTION FROM THE HALL

If the non-hitter leaves the premises for a while, he can appoint a representative who will protect his interests and, if necessary, call a foul. The judge must be notified of such an appointment before leaving.

4.6. CONDITION

(a) A player may only yield when he is the batter. The enemy has the right to accept or refuse the concession; it becomes insignificant if the opponent wants to continue playing.

Refusing to concede only makes sense if the point difference in the frame is important.

(b) When the total score is applied and the frame is conceded, the value of all remaining balls on the table is added to the other side's score. In such a case, each red must be counted as 8 points, and any color illegally missing from the table must be counted as if it had been exposed.

Part 5. OFFICIALS

5.1. JUDGE

(a) The referee must:
(i) be the only one who decides whether the game is correct or not;
(ii) be independent in making decisions in the interests of fair play in any situation not fully covered by these Rules;
(iii) be responsible for the proper conduct of the game under these Rules;
(iv) intervene if he sees any violation of these Rules;
(v) tell the player the color of the ball, if required;
(vi) clean any ball at the reasonable request of a player.

(b) A referee must not:
(i) answer any question not specified in the Rules;
(ii) make any indication that the player is about to commit a foul;
(iii) advise or express opinions that may affect the course of the game;
(iv) answer any question regarding the difference in billing.

(c) If the referee does not notice any incident, he may, at his discretion, question the marker, other officials or spectators who had the best review, or watch photo/video recordings of the episode to help you make your decision.

5.2. MARKER

The marker must keep score on the scoreboard and assist the referee in performing his duties. If necessary, he must also perform the duties of a secretary.

5.3. SECRETARY

The scorer shall keep a record of each stroke taken, recording fouls and the number of points scored by each player or side. He should also make a note about the size of the series.

5.4. ASSISTANCE OF OFFICIALS

(a) At the request of the striker, the umpire or marker shall remove and hold in position any lighting equipment that interferes with the striker's stroke.

(b) It is acceptable for the referee or marker to provide the necessary assistance to players disadvantaged by the circumstances.

Part 6. MODIFIED RULES FOR DISABLED PERSONS

In addition to the existing Rules for Wheelchair Players, the following provisions are made:

1. They must remain in a sitting position.
2. They should keep their feet on a footrest or stand some distance from the floor.

In addition, the judge must help participants who have difficulty installing and removing the machine from the table. Players must inform the referee or appropriate official in advance that they will require this type of assistance during the game.

Additional Information

For more complete information about the rules, as well as refereeing and tournament management, contact the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (in English) at:
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
27 Oakfield road Clifton
Bristol BS8 2AT UK

Translation into Russian by Alexey Anatolyevich Pavlov

PART 1. EQUIPMENT

All dimensions given in parentheses in the metric system are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

1. Standard table
Dimensions
(a) The playing field, bounded by the sides, shall measure 11" 8?" by 5" 10" (3569mm by 1778mm) with a tolerance in both dimensions of ±?" (±13mm).
Height
(b) The height of the table from the floor to the top edge of the side should be between 2" 9?" up to 2" 10?" (from 851 mm to 876 mm).
Pockets
(c) (i) Pockets must be located in the corners (two near the Point - the so-called upper pockets and two in the Beam area - lower pockets) and one in the middle of each long side (middle pockets).
(ii) Pocket shapes must conform to the templates approved by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
Line Beams and Beams
(d) A straight line drawn 29" (737 mm) from the bottom side parallel to it is called the Beam line, this line and the space enclosed by it is called the Beam.
Sector (D)
(e) Sector (D) is a semicircle located in the Beam, centered on the midpoint of the Beam line and with a radius of 11" (292 mm).
Points
(f) Four dots are marked on the center longitudinal line of the table:
(i) The dot (also known as the Black Dot) is located 12" (324 mm) below and perpendicular to the top edge.
(ii) Center Point (Blue Dot), located midway between the near and far sides.
(iii) Pyramid Point (Pink Point), located midway between the Center Point and the top edge.
(iv) Midpoint of the Beam line (Brown dot).
Two more points are located in the corners of Sector (D). Viewed from the Beam, the point on the right is called the Yellow Point, and on the left is called the Green Point.

2. Balls
The balls must be of an approved material and each must have a diameter of 52.5 mm (with a tolerance of ±0.05 mm), and:
(a) they must be of the same weight with a tolerance of 3 g per set,
(b) a ball or set of balls may be replaced by agreement between the players or by the decision of the referee.
The cost of the balls is as follows:
Red - 1
Yellow - 2
Green - 3
Brown - 4
Blue - 5
Pink - 6
Black - 7.

3. Cue
The cue must not be less than 3 feet (914 mm) in length and differ substantially from the traditional and generally accepted look and shape.

4. Accessories
Various cue rests, long cues (called bats and half-bats according to length), extensions and adapters can be used by players facing difficult positions when making a shot.
Equipment normally found at the table may be used, including equipment provided either by any player or by the referee (see also Rule 18 of Part 3). All extensions, adapters and other devices to assist in making a shot must be of WPBSA approved construction.

PART 2. DEFINITIONS

1. Frame
A frame in Snooker covers the period of time from the moment of the initial stroke, with all balls set according to Rule 2 of Part 3, and ends:
(a) a concession by any player to his approach,
(b) at the request of the Striker, when only the Black ball remains on the table and the difference in the score is more than seven points in his favor,
(c) by a final pot or foul when only the Black ball remains, or
(d) by the decision of the referee under Rule 14(c) of Part 3 or Rule 2 of Part 4.

2. Game
The game consists of a prescribed or agreed number of frames.
3. Match
A match consists of a stipulated or agreed number of games.

4. Balls
(a) The white ball is the cue ball.
(b) 15 Red and 6 Color are object balls.

5. Striker
The person playing or about to play is the Striker and remains so until the referee decides that the player has left the table at the end of his approach.

6. Impact
(a) The shot is made when the striker strikes the cue ball with the cue stick.
(b) The hit is considered legal if no violation of the Rules is committed.
(c) The stroke is not completed until all balls have stopped.
(d) The kick may be made directly or from the side, as follows:
(i) a straight shot when the cue ball strikes the object ball without first hitting the board,
(ii) a board shot where the cue ball strikes one or more boards before hitting the object ball.

7. Acting out
An object ball is considered played if, after contact with another ball, and without violating the Rules, it falls into the pocket. The process of pocketing a ball is called potting.

8. Series (Break)
A run (break) is the number of plays on successful shots made by a player during any one approach during a frame.

9. Play from hand
(a) The cue ball is played from hand
(i) before the start of each frame,
(ii) when he is pocketed, or
(iii) when it is knocked off the table, or
(iv) when the Black Ball is re-spotted to determine the winner of a frame if the score is tied.
(b) It remains in this state until
(i) will not be played properly from the hand, or
(ii) no foul will be committed while the cue ball is on the table.
(c) The striker is called in-hand when the cue ball is played in-hand as described above.

10. Ball in play
(a) The cue ball is in play when not played from hand.
(b) Object balls are in play from the start of the frame until they are played or knocked off the table.
(c) Colors are again considered to be in play when fielded.

11. Another ball
Any ball that can, without violating the Rules, be hit with the first touch of the cue ball, or that cannot be hit in this way, but which can be played, is considered to be next.

12. Ordered ball
(a) A called ball is an object ball which the striker names or designates in a manner understandable to the referee and which he must hit with his first touch of the cue ball.
(b) When called upon by the referee, the striker must name his chosen ball.

13. Free ball
A loose ball is a ball that the striker orders as the next ball when the cue ball is in the snooker after a foul (see Rule 10 of Part 3).

14. Knocked off the table
A ball is knocked off the table if it comes to rest other than on the playing surface of the table or in a pocket, or if it is picked up by the striker while the ball is in play, except as provided in Rule 14(h) of Part 3.

15. Foul
Any violation of these Rules is considered a foul.

16. Snooker
The cue ball is in snooker (camouflaged) if its path in a straight line when making a direct hit on each ball in progress is completely or partially blocked by a non-stroke ball or balls. If one or more balls on can be hit to the very edges of the ball without interference from any off-balls, then the cue ball is not in the snooker.
(a) When played in hand, the cue ball is in the snooker if it is masked as described above, in all possible positions within Sector (D) or on its line.
(b) If the cue ball is masked by more than one off-ball, then
(i) the ball closest to the cue ball is considered to be an effective masking ball, and
(ii) in the case of balls equidistant from the cue ball, all such balls will be considered to be effectively masking balls.
(c) If the ball on is a Red and the cue ball is masked from being hit by different Reds by different off-balls, then there is no effective masking ball.
(d) The striker is in snooker when the cue ball is masked as described above.
(e) The cue ball cannot be masked by the board. If the curved lip of the pocket blocks the cue ball and is closer to it than any of the masking off-balls, then the cue ball is not in snooker.

17. Busy point
A point is considered occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without touching another ball.

18. Pushed through
A push is made when the cue stick remains in contact with the cue ball.
(a) after the cue ball has started to move forward, or
(b) when the cue ball has touched the object ball, unless the cue ball and object ball are almost touching, there will be no push if the cue ball hits the edge of the object ball very thinly.

19. Jump
A jump is made if the cue ball passes over any part of the object ball, whether it touches it in the process or not, except:
(a) when the cue ball first hits an object ball and then jumps another ball,
(b) when the cue ball jumps and hits an object ball but does not land behind that ball,
(c) when, after properly hitting an object ball, the cue ball jumps over that ball after hitting the board or another ball.

20. Miss
A miss is called when the cue ball does not hit the next ball with its first touch and the referee deems that the striker did not make a good enough attempt to hit the next ball.

PART 3. GAME

1. Description
Snooker can be played by two or more players, each for themselves or in a team. Briefly, the game is as follows:
(a) Each player uses the same White cue ball and 21 object balls: 15 Red valued at 1, and 6 colored: Yellow - 2, Green - 3, Brown - 4, Blue - 5, Pink - 6, Black - 7.
(b) Players make scoring shots in their approach by playing alternately Reds and Colors until all Reds are out, then Colors in ascending order of value.
(c) Points awarded for successful hits are added to the Striker's score.
(d) Penalty points for fouls are added to the opponent's score.
(e) A tactic used during a frame is to leave the cue ball behind off-balls so as to disguise it for the next player. If a player or side is behind their opponent in the score by more points than the possible value of all the balls remaining on the table, setting snookers in the hope of gaining points from fouls becomes most important.
(f) The winner of the frame is the player (or side)
(i) the one with the most points,
(ii) to whom the frame is assigned, or
(iii) to whom victory is awarded under Rule 14(c) of Part 3 or Rule 2 of Part 4.
(g) The winner of the game is the player (or side)
(i) who wins more or the required number of frames,
(ii) the highest scorer if the total score is taken into account, or
(iii) to whom victory is awarded under Rule 2 of Part 4.
(h) The winner of a match is the player (or side) who wins more games or the one with the most points if the total points are taken into account.

2. Position of balls
(a) At the start of each frame the cue ball is played in hand and the object balls are set as follows:
(i) Reds - in the shape of a tight equilateral triangle (pyramid), the top ball on the center line of the table above the Pyramid Point, as close to the Pink as possible without touching it, the base of the triangle closer to the top board and parallel to it,
(ii) Yellow - to the right corner of Sector (D),
(iii) Green - to the left corner of Sector (D),
(iv) Brown - to the middle of the Beam line,
(v) Blue - to the Central point,
(vi) Pink - to the Pyramid Point,
(vii) Black - to the Point.
(b) After the start of a frame, a ball in play may only be cleared by the umpire at the reasonable request of the striker and
(i) the position of the ball, if not on the spot, must be marked by a suitable device before the ball is lifted for cleaning,
(ii) the device used to mark the position of a ball being cleaned will be treated as that ball until it is cleaned and replaced. If any player other than the Striker touches or moves the device, he shall be penalized as if he were the Striker, but without changing the order of play. The referee must return the device or ball being cleared to its position at his discretion, even if it has been lifted.

3. Progress of the game
Players determine the order of play by lot or by mutual agreement.
(a) The order of play so determined shall remain unchanged throughout the frame unless the next player requests further play after any foul.
(b) The kickoff players or sides must alternate each frame during the game. (c) The first player plays from hand, the frame begins after the cue ball is placed on the table and comes into contact with the cue stick or
(i) how the stroke is made, or
(ii) while addressing the cue ball.
(d) For a stroke to be valid, none of the offenses described below in Rule 12 Penalties must occur.
(e) For the first shot of each round, until all Reds have left the table, a Red or Red-ordered free ball is the next ball and the value of each Red or Red-ordered free ball played is counted.
(f) (i) If a Red or a free ball ordered by a Red is potted, the same player plays the next stroke and the next ball is any color of the Striker's choice, if potted the value of the color is counted and the color is called.
(ii) The run continues by playing alternately Reds and colored balls until all Reds have left the table and, once this has happened, a colored ball must be played after the last Red played.
(iii) The next color balls are then played in ascending order of value under Rule 1(a) of Part 3, and when the next color is potted, it is not fielded except as provided below in Rule 4, and the striker plays the next color with his next stroke.
(g) Reds are not re-tabled once played or knocked off the table, although a player may benefit from a foul. Exceptions to this rule are provided in Rules 2(b)(ii), 9, 14(f), 14(h) and 15 of Part 3.
(h) If the Striker fails to score or commits a foul, his run ends and the next player plays from where the cue ball stopped, or from the hand if the cue ball is out of play.

4. End of frame, game and match
(a) When only Black remains on the board, the first scoring strike or foul ends the frame unless both of the following conditions are met:
(i) the score is tied and
(ii) the final score does not count.
(b) When both conditions described in (a) above occur:
(i) Black is exhibited,
(ii) players draw lots to choose the order of play,
(iii) the next player takes the kick, and
(iv) the next scoring strike or foul ends the frame.
(c) If the winner of a game or match is determined by the final score and the score is tied at the end of the last frame, then the players in that frame must follow the Black fielding procedure set out in (b) above.

5. Play from hand
When playing from hand, the cue ball must be struck from an inside or line position, but can be played in any direction.
(a) The referee must indicate, if asked, whether the cue ball is properly placed (ie not outside Sector (D)).
(b) If the cue stick touches the cue ball when it is set and the umpire considers that the striker did not attempt the stroke, the cue ball is not in play.

6. Hit two balls at the same time
Two balls other than two Reds or a free ball and an object ball cannot be hit at the same time with the first touch of the cue ball.

7. Exhibition of people of color
Any color played or knocked off the table must be put out before the next stroke is played until final play under Rule 3(f) of Part 3 begins.
(a) A player cannot be held responsible for any errors by the umpire in fielding any ball.
(b) If a color is shown incorrectly after being played in ascending order of value under Rule 3(f)(iii) of Part 3, it must be removed from the table without penalty upon discovery of the error and play must continue.
(c) If a stroke is made with a ball or balls incorrectly lined, they will be considered correctly lined for subsequent strokes. Any person of color wrongfully missing from the table must be shown:
(i) without penalty when it is found to be missing due to a previous oversight,
(ii) with a penalty to the player if the striker plays before the umpire could field the ball.
(d) If a color is to be fielded and his own spot is occupied, he must be placed on the free spot of the highest value ball.
(e) If more than one color needs to be fielded and their own spots are occupied, the higher value ball has priority in the fielding order.
(f) If all the points are occupied, the color must be placed as close as possible to his own point, between that point and the nearest part of the top board.
(g) In the case of Pink and Black, if all the points are occupied and there is no free space between the corresponding point and the nearest part of the top board, then the color must be placed as close as possible to his own point on the center line of the table below the point.
(h) In any case when a color is spotted, it must not touch another ball.
(i) To be correctly fielded, a colored ball must be placed by hand on the spot designated in these Rules.

8. Touching ball
(a) If the cue ball stops touching another ball or balls that is or may be on, the referee must call a Touching Ball and indicate which ball or balls the cue ball is touching.
(b) When a touching ball is called, the striker must play the cue ball away from that ball without causing it to move, otherwise a pass will be called.
(c) If the striker keeps the object ball stationary, there will be no penalty if: (i) the ball is another,
(ii) the ball may be on and the striker declares it as such, or
(iii) this ball could be the next ball, but the striker declares another ball to be next and hits it with his first touch.
(d) If the cue ball stops touching or nearly touching an off-ball, the umpire, if asked about touching, must answer “Yes” or “No”. The striker must play away from it without touching it as described above, but must hit the next ball.
(e) When the cue ball touches both an on and off ball at the same time, the referee must point only to the off ball that is touching. If the striker asks the referee whether the cue ball is touching an off-ball, he must answer.
(f) If the official is satisfied that any movement of the ball in contact at the moment of the stroke was not caused by the action of the striker, he shall not call a foul.
(g) If a stationary object ball not touching the cue ball during the referee's check comes into contact with the cue ball before the shot is made, the balls must be reset by the referee at his discretion.

9. Ball on the edge of the pocket
(a) If a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, without in any way participating in any stroke, it must be replaced and all points scored must be counted.
(b) If it could have been struck by any ball involved in the stroke:
(i) without breaking these Rules, then all balls are replaced and the same stroke is repeated, or another stroke is made at the discretion of the same striker,
(ii) with a foul, then the striker must be penalized, all balls must be put back and the next player has the normal choice after a foul.
(c) If a ball balances briefly on the edge of a pocket and then falls into the pocket, it is considered to have fallen into the pocket and is not replaced.

10. Snooker after a foul
After a foul, if the cue ball is masked, the umpire must call a free ball (see Rule 16 Part 2).
(a) If the next player in his approach decides to take the stroke himself, then
(i) he may order any ball as a regular one, and
(ii) any ball ordered shall be treated as a regular ball for its value, except that it shall, if played, be fielded.
(b) A foul will be called if the cue ball
(i) fails to hit the ordered ball first, or at the same time as the next ball, or
(ii) will be masked from all Reds or object balls by the ordered free ball, unless only Pink and Black object balls remain on the table.
(c) If a loose ball is played, it is spotted and the value of the next ball is counted.
(d) If the next ball is played after the cue ball has hit the first ball ordered, or ordered at the same time as the next ball, the next ball is counted and remains out of the table.
(e) If a booked ball and a ball are played, only the next ball counts, except in the case of Red balls in which the value of each ball played counts. The free ball is then fielded and the next ball remains out of the table.
(f) If, at the request of the opponent, the offender plays again, the free ball call is void.

11. Fouls
If a foul is committed, the referee must immediately call a foul.
(a) If the striker does not make a stroke, his approach ends immediately and the referee must call a penalty.
(b) If a stroke is made, the referee must wait for the stroke to be completed before calling a penalty.
(c) If a foul is not called by the official and is not called for by the non-striker before the next stroke is made, then no foul is called.
(d) Any incorrectly placed color must remain where it is placed, unless it is not on the table when it should have been correctly placed.
(e) All points scored in the series before the foul are scored, but the striker is not awarded any points for any pocketed balls on a foul hit.
(f) The next shot is played from where the cue ball stopped, or played from hand if it is off the table.
(g) If more than one foul is committed during a stroke, the highest penalty will be assessed.
(h) Player who committed the foul
(i) receives the penalty prescribed in Rule 12 below, and
(ii) must play the next stroke if requested by the next player.

12. Fines
All fouls are subject to a penalty of four points unless a greater is specified in (a) through (d) below. Fines are imposed:
(a) In the amount of the cost of the next ball for
(i) hitting the cue ball more than once,
(ii) striking with both feet off the floor,
(iii) playing out of turn,
(iv) wrong game from the hand, including the initial blow,
(v) the cue ball misses all object balls,
(vi) the cue ball falls into a pocket,
(vii) snooker for a loose ball,
(viii) jump,
(ix) playing with a non-standard cue, or
(x) conferring with a partner contrary to Rule 17(e) of Part 3.
(b) In the amount of the value of the next ball or the one involved, if more expensive, for
(i) a stroke when any ball has not stopped,
(ii) a strike before the referee has completed his marking of the colour,
(iii) an off-ball falls into a pocket,
(iv) hitting an off-ball with the first touch of the cue ball,
(v) committing a push,
(vi) touching a ball in play other than the cue stick when making a stroke, or
(vii) knocking the ball off the table.
(c) To the value of the ball in play, or the greater of the two balls when they are first hit with the cue ball at the same time, except when it is two Reds or a free ball and a ball in the ball at the ball in the cue ball.
(d) To the extent of seven points if the striker
(i) uses an off-table ball for any purpose,
(ii) uses any object to measure intervals or distances,
(iii) plays the Reds, or the free ball awarded by the Reds, in successive strokes,
(iv) uses anything other than White ball as a cue ball for any shot from the start of the frame,
(v) makes a mistake in calling the next ball when asked to do so by the referee,
(vi) after potting a Red or a free ball ordered by a Red, commits a foul before calling a colour.

13. Play again
Once a player has requested the opponent to play again after a foul, such request cannot be withdrawn. The offender who is asked to play again has the right
(a) change your intentions regarding
(i) what stroke he will perform, and
(ii) what next ball he will try to hit,
(b) score for any ball or balls he may play.

14. Foul and Miss
The striker must, with all his skill, try to hit the next ball. If the judge believes that the Rule has been violated, then he must call a Foul and Miss, unless there is only one Black ball left on the table, or a situation has arisen where it is impossible to hit the next ball. In the latter case, it is permissible for the striker to attempt to hit the next ball, directly or off the rail, hard enough, in the opinion of the referee, to reach the object ball from behind the masking balls.
(a) After calling a Foul and a Miss, the next player may, at his discretion, require the offender to play again from the position left, or from the original position, in the latter case the next ball must be the same as that which was before the last stroke made, and exactly:
(i) any Red ball when Red is the next one,
(ii) another color when there are no Reds left on the table,
(iii) a color of the striker's choice when the next ball is a color after potting Red.
(b) If the striker, in making a stroke, fails to hit the on ball with his first touch when there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to any part of any ball on, or may be on, the referee shall call a Foul and Miss, unless any of the players does not need to snooker before or as a result of the shot, and the referee is satisfied that the miss was not intentional.
(c) After a miss has been declared under (b) above, when there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to the ball on, or may be on, such that head-on (full) contact is possible (in the case of Reds, this is the full diameter of any Red , not disguised by colored ones), then:
(i) if the next ball is missed again while making a stroke from the same position, a Foul and Miss will be called, regardless of the difference in the score, and
(ii) if called to play again from the original position, the offender must be warned by the referee that a third miss will result in the opponent being awarded the frame.
(d) If, after the cue ball has been restored under this Rule to a position where there is a clear path in a straight line from the cue ball to any part of any ball on or likely to be on, and the striker fouls any ball, including the cue ball, in preparation for execution of a strike, then a miss is not declared if the strike is not completed. In this case, an appropriate fine will be imposed and
(i) the next player may choose whether to take the stroke himself or require the offender to play again from the position left behind, or
(ii) the next player may ask the referee to restore the original position and the offender to play again, and
(iii) if the above situation occurs when consecutive misses are declared, then any warning of a possible award of victory in the frame to his opponent remains valid.
(e) All other misses are declared at the discretion of the referee.
(f) After a miss and a call from the next player to reset the cue ball, any displaced object balls must remain in place unless the referee considers that the offender may gain, or gains, an advantage. In the latter case, any or all of the dislodged balls may be replaced at the discretion of the referee and, in any case, the color(s) illegally missing from the table must be replaced or moved accordingly.
(g) When any ball moves after a miss, the offender and his opponent may consult as to position, after which the referee's decision shall be final.
(h) During such consultation, if any player touches any play ball, he shall be penalized as if he were the striker, without changing the order of play. The affected ball may be repositioned by the referee, if necessary, at his discretion, even if it has been lifted.
(i) The next player may ask the umpire his intentions to move balls other than the cue ball if he asks his opponent to play from the original position, and the umpire must communicate his intentions.

15. Ball moved by someone other than the striker
If a ball, stationary or moving, is moved by someone other than the striker, it must be placed by the umpire on the spot where, in his opinion, the ball was or could have stopped, without penalty.
(a) This rule shall include cases where some event or person other than the striker's partner causes the striker to move the ball.
(b) No player may be penalized for any movement of balls by the umpire.

16. Stalemate
If the judge believes that the table has arisen or is approaching stalemate situation, then he must invite the players to immediately replay the frame. If any player objects, the referee must allow play to continue with the condition that the situation must change within a designated period, usually after three more strokes on each side, but at the discretion of the referee. If the situation remains substantially unchanged after the stated period has expired, then the umpire must void all points and re-set all balls as at the start of the frame, and
(a) the same player must take the kick-off again,
(b) the same order of play must be maintained.

17. Snooker for couples
(a) In doubles play, each side must begin frames alternately and the order of play must be determined at the beginning of each frame and thereafter 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 call to play again is made, the player who committed the foul takes the kick again, even if the foul was made outside his approach, and the original order of play is maintained so that the offender's partner may miss his approach.
(d) When a frame ends in a draw, Rule 4 of Part 3 applies. If there is a need to field Black again, the pair making the first stroke choose which of them will make that stroke. The order of play should then be stored as in the frame.
(e) Partners may confer during the frame, but not
(i) while one of them is the Striker and is at the table, and
(ii) after the first hit of the batter's approach until the series ends.

18. Use of auxiliary equipment
It is the batter's responsibility to place and remove any equipment he may use at the table.
(a) The batter is responsible for any items, including (but not limited to) coasters and extensions, that he brings to the table, whether owned or borrowed (except from the umpire), and he will be penalized for any fouls made them when using this equipment.
(b) Equipment normally found at the table that is provided by another party, including the umpire, is not the responsibility of the batter. If this equipment is found to be defective and the striker therefore touches the ball or balls, no foul will be called. The umpire will, if necessary, rearrange any balls in accordance with Rule 15 of this section and the striker will be allowed to continue without penalty.

19. Interpretation of the rules
(a) Throughout these Rules and Definitions, words implying the masculine gender shall be equally treated and include the feminine gender.
(b) Circumstances may alter the application of the Rules to persons with disabilities. In particular, for example:
(i) Rule 12(a)(ii) of Part 3 shall not apply to players in a wheelchair, and
(ii) the player, upon request from the referee, must be told the color of the ball if he is unable to distinguish between colors, for example, red and green.
(c) When there is no referee, for example in a friendly game, the opposing player or side may, for the purpose of complying with these Rules, act as referee.

PART 4. PLAYERS

1. Behavior
When:
(a) the player takes a disproportionate amount of time to play or select a stroke, or
(b) the player's conduct is, in the opinion of the referee, willfully or persistently incorrect, or
(c) any other behavior by the player that could be considered ungentlemanly, or
(d) refusal to continue the frame,
the judge must, or:
(e) warn the player that if such behavior continues, the frame will be awarded to his opponent, or
(f) award the frame to his opponent, or
(g) if the conduct is extremely serious, award the game to his opponent.
If the referee has warned the player under point (e) above, if such conduct as discussed above continues, the referee must either:
(a) award the frame to an opponent, or
(b)if further conduct is extremely serious, award the game to his opponent.
If the referee has awarded the frame to a player's opponent under the provisions above, if further conduct continues as discussed above, the referee must award the frame to his opponent.
Any decision by the referee to award a frame and/or game victory to a player's opponent shall be final and not subject to appeal.

2. Punishment
(a) If a frame is awarded under this Part, the offender:
(i) loses the frame, and
(ii) loses all points scored and the opponent receives a number of points equivalent to the value of the remaining balls on the table: 8 points for each Red, and any color illegally missing from the table is counted as if it had been spotted.
(b) If a game is awarded under this Part, the offender:
(i) plays the frame as described in (a) above, and
(ii) additionally plays the required number of unplayed frames to complete the game, where necessary, or
(iii) additionally loses the remaining frames, each worth 147 points, if the total score applies.

3. Unbeatable
When the Striker is playing, his opponent must avoid being or moving within the Striker's line of sight. He should sit or stand at a reasonable distance from the table.

4. Absence
In the event of his absence from the hall, the non-hitter may appoint a representative to monitor his interests and call for a foul if necessary. The judge must be notified of such an appointment before leaving.

5. Concession
(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 continue the game.
(b) When the total score is applied and the frame is conceded, the value of all remaining balls on the table is added to the other side's score. In this case, 8 points are counted for each Red, and any color illegally missing from the table is counted as if it had been exposed.
(c) a player may not concede a frame in any match unless snookers are involved. Any violation of this Rule must be punished as ungentlemanly behavior by the player.

PART 5. OFFICIALS

1. Judge
(a) The referee must:
(i) be the only one who decides whether the game is correct or not,
(ii) be independent in making decisions in the interests of fair play in any situation not fully covered by these Rules,
(iii) be responsible for ensuring that the game is played in accordance with these Rules,
(iv) intervene if he sees any violation of these Rules,
(v) tell the player the color of the ball if required, and
(vi) clear any ball as reasonably requested by the player.
(b) The referee must not
(i) answer any question not explained in the Rules,
(ii) give any clue that the player is about to make an illegal shot,
(iii) give advice or give an opinion that may affect the course of the game, or
(iv) answer any question regarding the difference in billing.
(c) If the referee does not notice any episode, he may, at his discretion, question the marker, other officials or spectators who had a better view, or look at photographic/video footage of the episode, to assist in his decision.

2. Marker
The marker must keep score on the scoreboard and assist the referee in performing his duties. If necessary, he must also perform the duties of a protocol officer.

3. Protocol Officer
The scorekeeper shall keep a record of each stroke taken, reporting fouls where appropriate and the number of points scored by each player or side as required. He must also record the series made.

4. Help from officials
(a) At the request of the Striker, the umpire or marker shall remove and hold any lighting equipment that interferes with the Striker's actions in making a stroke.
(b) It is acceptable for a referee or marker to provide necessary assistance to disabled players, as appropriate.