Rules of Play

After the first red ball has been potted, the next legal object ball would be color, and so on. As long as reds remain on the table he must alternate his play between reds and colors (though within each group he may play a ball of his choice). It is not necessary to cause the cue ball or an object ball to contact a cushion or drop in a pocket after the cue ball has contacted a legal object ball. Failure to contact a legal object ball first is a foul.

Potting the red when there are still reds on the table:
The incoming striker (the player taking his first stroke of an inning) always has a red as his legal object ball.
Potting the color when there are still reds:
The striker who's legal object ball is color must:
a) designate a specific color ball as his object ball
b) cause the cue ball to make the first contact with that specific colored ball.

Failure in meeting these requirements is a foul.

While reds remain on the table, each potted color is spotted prior to the next stroke (see Spotting Balls below for spotting rules).

The Cue

Owning and playing with your own cue is essential if you are hoping to progress and develop your ability at snooker. The cue is the most important element in your game and should be chosen carefully to suit your own needs and requirements.

This may seem like common sense, but it is surprising how many people choose to play with a variety of cues and are then confused as to why they fail to improve. I have known decent amateur players with numerous cues, swopping and changing as the mood takes them, often to the detriment of their overall game.All cues play differently and it takes a while to familiarise yourself completely with your chosen cue. Only regular practice with the same cue will provide the repetition necessary for you to become completely at one with your snooker cue.The normal length of a cue is in the region of 58 inches, with the best cues made from ash or maple. Ash cues tend to have a heavier grain, which is more visible than maple. This grain can assist your sighting when cueing down on the shot and enables you to hold the cue in the same position for each shot. Maple cues have a more subdued grain.The recommended weight is around 17 ounces and the cue should feel balanced, particularly in the shaft. Weight is often inserted into the butt of the cue approximately 12 to 18 inches from the base, which is why the shaft often feels heavy.Tip sizes vary, but the standard size is 10mm. Some play with a 9millimetre tip and others with an 11mm, but for players new to the game a larger tip size is recommended. A ferrule should be attached to the end of the cue, which the tip attaches to. The ferrule prevents the end of the cue from splitting and protects the cue when replacing a tip.Caring for your cue is vital because of its importance to your game. In addition a cue may last for years if properly looked after.

Avoid leaving your cue in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Keep the cue clean with a damp cloth and wash your hands before you play. Never stand the cue up against a wall, as eventually this may cause it to warp.