Snooker is a popular cue sport played on a large, green baize-covered table with pockets at each of the four corners and in the middle of each of the long side cushions. Players use a cue stick to hit a white cue ball, aiming to pot 15 red balls (worth 1 point each) and then six colored balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and black, ranging from 2 to 7 points) in a specific sequence. The objective is to score more points than your opponent by potting balls and forcing them into difficult positions.
What makes snooker so engaging is its blend of skill, strategy, and mental discipline. Players need exceptional hand-eye coordination and precision to pot balls, but also a deep understanding of angles, spin, and ball control to position the cue ball perfectly for the next shot. The strategic element involves thinking several shots ahead, not just about potting a ball but also about leaving the opponent in a “snooker” position, where they cannot directly hit their next legal ball, forcing them to concede points.
Snooker is enjoyed by millions worldwide, both as a recreational game and as a highly competitive professional sport, with major tournaments like the World Snooker Championship attracting vast audiences. Its calm, cerebral nature, combined with moments of incredible skill and tension, makes it a captivating spectacle. For more on the diverse world of sports and games, explore World-Wide Q&A.