Learn Snooker: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Anton Kastner
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read

If you're new to the game, understanding how to play snooker is the first step. Snooker is a cue sport played on a large table with 15 red balls, six colored balls, and one white cue ball. The objective is to score more points than your opponent by potting balls in a specific sequence. The tips below will help you learn snooker faster
Learn Snooker: How to Play
The Objective Players aim to score points by potting a red ball followed by a colored ball, alternating in this sequence. After all red balls are cleared, the colored balls must be potted in a specific order: yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and finally black.
Scoring Points
Red ball: 1 point
Yellow: 2
Green: 3
Brown: 4
Blue: 5
Pink: 6
Black: 7
The Break-Off The game starts with one player breaking the reds. The cue ball must hit a red first. Fouls occur if the wrong ball is hit or missed entirely.
Potting Sequence
Pot a red (1 point)
Choose and pot a color (adds its point value)
Repeat until all reds are gone
Pot colors in order: yellow to black
Winning the Frame The frame ends when all balls are potted or one player concedes. The player with the most points wins.
Tips for Beginners
Practice cue control and aiming techniques
Learn safety shots to limit your opponent’s options
Watch professional matches to understand strategies
Play regularly to build confidence and skill
See the snooker rules here
To play well, start with the basics, stay consistent, and enjoy the learning process. With practice and a focus on fundamentals, you’ll improve steadily and find great satisfaction in this classic cue sport.