How To Play Pool Shots That Will Win You The Game

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: The Shots you will need

There are a number of shots that you will find useful when playing pool. Here are some of the more simple ones so they should be fairly easy to get the hang of.
The Break
The Straight Shot
The Bank Shot
The Slice
and The Canon.

Step 3: Before you start

First you will need to prepare the cue. Hold the cue in one hand with the tip pointing up, with your other hand take the chalk and rub it over the tip of the cue (ensure that the whole of the tip is covered with chalk). When you have done this, blow lightly across the face of the tip to blow off any excess chalk.
Before you hit a ball, always check that the tip is screwed in securely to the end of the cue. The tip can sometimes work itself loose and even fall off, if this happens it will effect how you strike the Cue ball and put you at a disadvantage.

Step 4: The Break

Place the Cue ball behind the line, so the first ball it will make contact with is the ball at the apex of the rack. Then, with the tip of the cue strike the Cue ball, if you hit it hard enough the rack should be spread quite evenly around the table.

Step 5: The Straight Shot

This sounds like it should be very easy, but when the ball you are aiming for is at the far end of the table it does take a certain amount of skill. It is important to stay calm, as it is easy to get nervous especially if this is an important shot.
Use your cue to line up the shot between the cue ball and the ball you are aiming for, as it is sometimes hard to judge just with your eye alone.
Once you have decided on the angle of your shot bring the cue back and line up the shot. Ensure that you line up the tip of your cue with the centre of the white ball, if you do not strike the ball dead in the centre then the ball will head off at an angle, missing your ball. So before you take the shot check the position of the Cue ball and the position of the ball you intend to hit. Then, when you are sure you are lined up, take the shot.

Step 6: The Bank Shot

This is one of the most popular shots in pool, the basic idea is to either hit the cue ball so it bounces off a cushion and hits a ball. Or to strike the Cue ball so it hits a ball which then rebounds off a cushion. This is the basic bank shot, and is known as a double.
As before, use your cue to help you work out the angle of your shot by lining up your ball with the cushion to judge how it will bounce.

Step 7: The Slice

This is a shot you will find very useful. It is best used to direct a coloured ball either into a pocket or onto another coloured ball. The idea is to hit the cue ball towards a coloured ball, but rather than hit the ball dead on, you want to hit the ball off centre. How far off centre depends on where you want the coloured ball to end up. If you try and slice the ball too much, there is a chance that you might miss the it completely.

Step 8: The Canon

Now you know how to Slice it's an easy step up to the Canon. This is a useful shot if the ball you want to hit is blocked by one or more balls
Look at the balls in question, how do you want to hit the first ball in order for it to strike the second ball at the right angle, for that to maybe hit the third.
Once you have decided how to hit the Cue ball, hit it firmly, but not too hard as this may cause the balls to fly off around the table.
Remember, pool is a game of skill, so the more you practice the better you will become.

 

9 BALL RULES

9-ball is a pool game (pocket billiard) played with 9 object balls. When it was first introduced to the pool players' crowd, around the 20s of the 20th century, it has a somehow dubious reputation since it was attracting gamblers and hustlers. Since those wild days, 9ball reputation has improved and the game is played in respectable pool tournaments around the world and broadcast on TV often.

9ball vs. 8ball

It is arguable whether 9ball is a more complicated game comparing to 8ball. Due to its status as the professional games, 9ball enjoys an image of less amateur game comparing to 8ball. However, it is argued that 9ball rules are simple to learn. Here you can find a simplified guide to 9ball pool rules.

9 ball Pool Rules

9 Ball Definition:

• 9ball pool is a rotation game in which the lowest numbered object ball on the table has to be hit by the cue ball.
• The object of 9ball pool is simply to pocket the 9-ball. Just to emphasize, whenever you pocket the 9-ball legally, including during the open break shot, you win the game! (Unless the 9-ball has been pocketed on a foul).
• On the opening break shot, the breaker has to contact the 1-ball with the cue ball and/or send minimum 4 balls to the rails.

The Push Out is a unique rule of 9ball:

• On the first shot following a legal opening break shot, the player is entitled to perform a push out shot.
• On the push out shot, the player must not cause the cue ball to hit an object ball or a cushion.
• The purpose of the push out shot is to improve the position of the cue ball.
• The push out shot can be performed only once. Afterwards, the 9ball pool game continues normally.
• Legal shot – the cue ball must first contact the lowest numbered ball on the table, pocket an object ball (regardless to its numeric value) or cause an object ball (or more) to hit a cushion.

• Fouls:

• The cue ball does not contact the lowest numbered ball on the table.
• Scratch (the cue ball is pocketed).
• Illegal shot (i.e., none of the object balls are neither pocketed nor hit a cushion).
• When a player commits a foul, his inning ends and his opponents gets the cue ball in hand.
• A player who commits three consecutive fouls will lose the game.
• The 9ball pool game ends with the (legal) pocketing of the 9-ball or with the loss of a game due to a commitment of three consecutive fouls.



PLAY BILLIARD LIKE A FOOL

If you want to hustle in pool, you must have two qualities: the ability to perform sophisticated looking trick shots and an acting skill. Morals of a sweat shop manage would be an advantage as well.
Since we are not talking about a career of a traveling pool hustler; just about the ability to step out of a pool hall with deeper pockets and chubbier ego, these qualities can certainly be practiced and sharpened.

You don't have to be a professional pool player nor an acting student to hustle some strangers at a pool hall. All you have to do is to handle some amazing trick shots while looking indifferent about your money. Here you are the top seven ways to hustle in pool without being recognized as a pool hustler:

1. Practice your shot making technique constantly. You must be able to shoot the cue ball at ease as well as carry at least one difficult shot such as cut shot, throw, etc.

2. Don't reveal your tricks too soon. No one would volunteer to hand you their money. Therefore, you should start by playing sloppily, lose in a few games and wait till some sucker gets caught in your trap before showing them what you've got.

3. Don't use your personal pool cue (if you have any). Play with the house cue in order to create the impression of a player who does not take his pool hobby too seriously.

4. Start by playing a game or two for fun and then bet on some small amounts of money. Raise the stake only after the sucker seems to be convinced of his advantages over you.

5. If you can, bring along a friend who would pretend to be a stranger that beats you up and chooses to quit while he is ahead.

6. Act as if you are drunk or just stupid. Fail in some really easy shots and then perform some difficult shots successfully, but react surprised as if it all happened by accident.

7. Pay attention to your victim. If he loses on easy shots but wins on difficult ones; plays with the house cue and agrees to raise the bets gradually, he might be a pool hustler.

Custom Snooker Cues - The Ultimate Gift for Snooker Lovers

If you know someone who loves snooker and are looking for a fantastic gift for them, why not consider giving them a custom snooker cues.

Whether you're buying for a seriots player or someone who just plays for fun, custom snooker cues are a wonderfully personal gift that will really show that you have put a lot of thought into choosing your gift.

Today there are a number of companies who offer a custom snooker cues service and they can make a bespoke cue that will perfectly suit your loved one.

Most custom snooker cues are made from high quality, durable materials and can perfectly tie in with everything the person you're buying for loves. You can buy cues in every colour from lime green to hot pink and everything in between.

For the star wars fan why not choose a light sabre snooker cue. Or if you don't want a block colour there's always the option of a colour fade cue of your choice.

If the person you're buying for likes a bit of sparkle you can find that to, in a mixture of colours, and you can even add their name or nickname in a beautiful sparkly font. For an even more feminine look you can choose pearlescent baby pink or ivory pearl shimmer.

Football fans will love a cue emblazoned with the badge of their favourite team.

Or you could go for a striking swirly psychedelic effect in hot orange or dramatic purple. Adding a nickname or a black or white grip to your chosen cue presents a minimal extra cost but will make your cue that little bit more special.

For the patriotic type why not choose a cue covered in the flag of your chosen country?

To really place your gift above the rest why not present it in a lockable case complete with an engraved plaque bearing the name of your recipient?

If you're in a rush you can even have your custom snooker cue ready wrapped with the paper of your choice.

If you want to buy something that little bit different that will be a personal gift that is treasured for years to come then consider buying custom snooker cues for your loved ones today.

It's a great way of telling someone how much they mean to you and will be gift that is lovingly used and fondly remembered.

THE BENEFIT OF PLAYING BILLIARD

Billiards and other snooker games are one of the oldest and most popular games all over the world. For some playing these games are a form of recreation, some play to earn money and gain prestige, while others do it simply for the love of the game. But why are so many people hooked on these? What are the benefits you can get out of making a ball sink into a pocket placed on the sides and corners of a pool table? If you are not a billiard player or an enthusiast, it is not surprising that you are not too familiar with the many benefits a snooker game can give.
Billiards may seem to be a very ordinary and traditional game but without knowing it, the game can actually give you several benefits. One of these benefits is that it helps you achieve enhancement of focus and coordination. Based on researches, individuals who play cue sports like snooker games are less likely to panic amid crisis. Those who play games that involve concentration are most likely to survive during catastrophes and accidents because they are the ones who can still think while the rest are already panicking.
Snooker games is a classic example of applied physics and geometry. Those who are fond of playing billiards unknowingly sharpen their mind by doing mental mathematical estimates and calculations. A person with a sharp mind can excel in any field he gets himself into. Playing these cue sports can also increase your eye-and-hand coordination making your hands swift and agile, which can give you a better chance of defending yourself especially during life-threatening situations like physical attacks or accidents.
Cue sports like snooker games and billiards are recognized sports that do not require you to sweat and be physically active so you can still relax while enjoying the game. Anyone can play them regardless of age and sex so playing these games can be a regular family event wherein even the oldies at home can take part in this activities. Cue sports can also be played by those who have physical difficulties and those who have health issues.
Since a cue sport such as snooker is known worldwide, you can still enjoy playing this sport even if you travel abroad. Finding a match or an available player won't be a problem because snooker games are so popular even children in remote parts of the world knows how to play it. Because the game is so popular, yot can actually gain a lot of friends by playing such a cue sport. If you would play these games online, the more you will hone your social skills because you will definitely open your doors to fellow players and snooker enthusiasts from around the world.
Another benefit of knowing how to play billiards and other cue sports is that they can boost your self-esteem especially if you excel and master them. They can attract potential friends and admirers. And if you are single and looking for a possible partner, snooker games can be a good start for a conversation.




The Beenefit of Team plays

 Playing pool on a team in a league can be a very rewarding experience. It’s fun, it gets you out of the house on a regular basis, and the camaraderie provided by your teammates, and even by some of those on opposing teams, adds a dimension to the fun that playing singles just doesn’t have. Singles play is great, don’t get me wrong, but if that’s the only way you play pool you’re missing out.
I’ve played multiple seasons in each of 2 different leagues, one a BCA league with the chance of a trip to a national championship in Las Vegas, and another an in-house league with monetary prizes but no national playoffs or trips.
In the BCA league we had 4 person teams, with each member playing one game of 8 Ball against each member of the opposing team. Scoring was based on winning the game (10 points), and how many balls of the loser’s suit were pocketed. All players had a handicap based on their average point score, so there was no subjectivity involved.
In the in-house league we had 3 person teams and each player competed against each opposing team member once in 8 Ball and once in 9 Ball. Eight Ball was scored the same as in the BCA league, and in 9 Ball you got one point for a win, none for a loss. Handicapping was based on one’s 8 Ball average performance, with no input as to 9 Ball.
In my experience, all players on opposing teams were friendly and good sports. Some would not call fouls on themselves, but none ever cheated. On my teams, all players wnuld watch the matches of fellow teammates, and offer congratulations for victory and encouragement for losses. Shots were frequently discussed afterward with different approaches being debated. It is amazing the pressure that one feels to not let down the team. This is a good thing, as continued experience with that pressure gives you the opportunity to overcome it. This helps a lot in tournament play, something you might do much less often than weekly.
Since the matches are all handicapped, you have to play near your best to win. This can really help you to develop that killer instinct, even against fairly low skilled players, where you might otherwise get lazy and play well below your best.
Since we knew each other well, we would help each other out by pointing out areas for improvement. I was lucky in that my teammates were always interested in improving and didn’t take offense when on the receiving end and didn’t come across arrogantly when giving advice. The BCA league allowed coaching, and I really appreciated hearing the recommendations from my team captain, since I was only an advanced beginner at that time. I learned more from those discussions than I would have believed, especially about defense.
There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when you make a particularly good shot, or complete a run, and your teammates burst into applause. It can put a smile in your heart as well as on your face. And the excitement that can build up in close matches is enormous, much more than in singles play. You not only feel it in your own games, but in all the games of your teammates. Team play in the pros, though not common, is also exciting; just watch a Mosconi Cup match to see what I mean.
One team I was on earned the right to go to the BCA Nationals in Vegas. This was pretty exciting for me, since it was my first time. The others on the team had all been there many times before (I replaced someone on a team with a storied history). Since we played every week on 9 foot tables and the tournament was on 7 foot Diamonds, I practiced regularly for a month on a 9 foot Diamond at a different pool hall. Disappointingly, I couldn’t get any of my teammates to do the same, they just pooh-poohed the idea. They didn’t need to do that, they had 5-7 previous Vegas trips each and were confident. Well, in Vegas I had the best record even though I was the lowest skilled player. Don’t let arrogance or laziness get in your way of a good performance, practice on those 7 footers if you don’t play on them regularly.
From watching some of the other teams, I also learned a lot about how not to act. Some teams, for example, never watched each other’s games, preferring to spend their time on the phone, at the bar or flirting. These teams didn’t seem to care much about each other and were invariably among the poorest performers. There are also some players who did their coaching and suggestions for improvement in a demeaning way, seemingly more to prove their own ability than to actually help the other player.
If you read the forums there are untold stories about how terrible some leagues are, with the APA getting the most negative feedback. I have seen instances of many of these complaints on a league I didn’t play on but had many friends on. My advice would be to not let these complaints discourage you from giving league play a try. If you pick your teammates wisely, your experience will be a rewarding one.


 The Strategy to play pooL

When it comes to pool games, there are two main types of strategies: the offensive strategy and the defensive one. Since many pool players claim that the winning strategy in pool game is a combination of these two strategies, this article will help you out with understanding each of the strategies, so you can use them in your play.

Play Safe
Playing defensive strategy in pool games means playing safety. According to most pool professionals, mastering your offensive skill, knowing how to handle difficult shots and an ability to play safety is the key to success in most pool games including 8 ball, 9 ball and straight pool (14.1 continuous).

Combine Safety with Offensive Pool Strategy
When you look at professional pool matches, you might not notice that appliance of a defensive billiard strategy at first sight. Since the offensive strategy, the shot making and the pocketing of balls is more notable to the spectator, many people mistakenly believe that the offensive play has more weight. However, skilled pool players know how to combine the safety play in their offensive pool strategy so it appears as a natural part of the play.

Playing pool using a defensive strategy allows you to have more time to plan your offensive strategy by holding back your opponent's offense. Playing safety can have a negative effect on your opponent's mental game, which will give you a meaningful edge that would eventually lead to your victory.

The best pool strategy would be to combine offensive and defensive strategy. It not only gives you the benefit of the defensive play, but it also confuses your opponents, cause them to make more mistakes and in the bottom line, cause you to win in more and more pool games.

HOW TO PLAY POOL FOR THE BEGINNER ?

Moving the Cue and Shooting The cue can be moved and rotated via the left mouse button or arrow keys. To strike the cue ball (the all-white ball), the cue must be pulled back with right mouse button or with the power slide control accessible with the left mouse button. Once you satisfied with the direction and power of the cue, you are ready to strike the ball.
There are several ways to strike the ball:

• If you used the right mouse button for pulling back the cue, the easiest way to hit will be by releasing this right mouse button
• If you used the power slider control, to strike the ball use double click on the slider or press and hold the space bar

The power of the strike depends on how far the cue is pulled back -- the farther, the greater the power. When the cue is ready to strike the cue ball, the object balls directly along the line of the strike are shown with white or red hilite. Object balls with white hilite represent the legal balls to strike. The direction of the hilite corresponds to the initial direction the object balls (if they do not hit any obstacles along the way).
The circular Cue Control (also known as English Control) to the left of the table has a cross target in the middle. It can be used to change the direction the cue ball is hit. For example, the cross target can be moved from the center (default) to the side of the cue control such that the cue would strike the cue ball with a spin.

8-Ball Rules

The object of the 8-Ball Pool game is for one player to pocket their set of assigned balls 1-7 (solids) or 9-15 (stripes), and then to legally pocket the 8-ball.

The Break

The 1st player who starts (breaks the rack to start a game) is determined randomly. The break will then alternate between players in future games at the same table, regardless of who won that last game. The player who breaks must strike the rack with the cue ball. Otherwise, the break becomes illegal and the turn switches to the opponent. Any balls pocketed on the break remain pocketed.

If during a break the player pockets a ball, other than the 8-ball or cue ball, the same turn continues. If no balls are pocketed on the break, the turn switches to the next player. Regardless of whether a ball is pocketed or not on the break, the table is still considered "open" (i.e., the choice of playing solids or stripes is still up for grabs).

Choice of Solids or Stripes

The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break. The choice is determined only when a player legally pockets the first ball after a break. If the player pockets both a solid and a stripe in the same shot, he/she must choose which group of balls they wish to play. If the table is open and a player strikes the 8-ball first, this is considered a foul and the turn rotates to the next player who gets ball in hand. If any balls were pocketed on this foul, they remain pocketed and the table is still considered "open." If the 8-ball is pocketed when it is not a legal shot the game ends and the player who illegally pocketed the 8-ball loses the game. Once solids and stripes have been assigned, it's considered a foul to strike the other player's ball before your own. If this happens, the player's turn is over and any balls pocketed remain pocketed.

Legal Shots

A shooter must hit a ball that belongs to his group of balls before the 8-ball is struck or a ball in their opponent's group is struck (unless the table is open or the 8-ball is the only legal shot). It is legal to have the cue ball make contact with a rail before striking a ball.

Illegal Shots

Pocketing the cue ball - this is called a 'scratch'.

The cue ball strikes the 8-ball first (unless it is the only legal shot).

The cue ball strikes one of your opponent's balls first.

The cue ball does not strike a rail or a legal ball.

What happens after an illegal shot

Most of the time, an illegal shot is a foul and the opponent would get the ball in hand. 'Ball in hand' means that the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table and shoot in any direction. When a player is granted a ball in hand after an illegal break, the ball may only be placed behind the head string and only shot forward. If an object ball is illegally pocketed the ball remains in the pocket.

Playing the 8-Ball

When the 8-ball is the legal shot for a player, a scratch or foul does NOT result in a loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed. However, the next player would have ball in hand. When playing the 8-ball, the shooter must designate a pocket. The pocket is indicated by a downward pointing hand. To change the designated pocket, the player must click on the desired pocket and the downward pointing hand will serve as an indicator of the selected pocket.

Switching Turns

A player's turn can span one or many shots. A player's turn continues as long as the player legally pockets the object balls. A player's turn ends when a player takes a shot that is illegal and deemed a foul, fails to pocket a legal object ball, or pockets a ball of the opponent's group. If a player pockets a ball from the opponent's group, the player's opponent would only gain ball in hand if the ball had been pocketed illegally. It is not illegal or considered a foul to pocket the opponent's ball on your turn if the cue ball strikes a legal object ball first. It just ends the player's turn.

Losing the Game

A player loses the game by making any of the following errors:

Foul when pocketing the 8-Ball.

Pocketing the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one he/she designated.

Pocketing the 8-Ball when it is not the legal object ball.

Pocketing the 8-ball on the same shot as the last of the player's group of balls.

9-Ball Option

9-ball is played with nine balls numbered 1-9 plus the cue ball. With each shot the cue ball must first contact the lowest ball on the table or it is a foul. A player's turn continues until the player misses, fouls, or wins the game by sinking the 9-ball. After a missed shot, the other player must shoot the ball from where it lies unless a foul has occurred, in which case the player has ball in hand. Players are not required to call any shots, including the 9-ball. The game ends when a player legally sinks the 9-ball or when a player fouls out.

The Break
The player who breaks first is selected randomly. The break alternates in subsequent games on the same table. The player must strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or hit four or more balls to the rail. Otherwise, the break becomes illegal.

Fouls
If a player fouls, the turn switches to the opponent. No balls are returned to their positions except the 9-ball. After a foul the opponent gains the ball in hand.
The following errors are considered to be fouls:

If the first ball contacted by the cue ball is not the lowest ball on the table, this is a foul.

If no balls are pocketed and no balls are driven to the rail, this is a foul.

An illegal break, as described above, is a foul.

If a player fouls on three consecutive shots in a game he loses.

End of the Game
The game ends when a player legally sinks the 9-ball or when a player loses the game as a result of a foul. 

HOW TO PLAY SNOOKER ?

Type of Game: International or "English" snooker is the most widely played form of snooker around the world. It is generally played on 6'x12' English billiard tables, with cushions that are more narrow than on pocket billiard tables and which curve smoothly into the pocket openings. 5 x 10 and snooker tables of even smaller playing dimensions may be used for the game. On a 6 x 12 snooker (English billiard) table the playing area within the cushion faces shall measure 11' 8.5" x 5' 10" with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/-0.5". The height of the table is measured from the floor to the top of the cushion rail, and the height shall measure 34" with an allowable variance of +/-0.5".

Players: 2

Balls Used: Set of Snooker balls: fifteen object balls that are not numbered and are solid red (called reds), six object balls of other colors that are not numbered (called colors) and a cue ball (called the white ball). Point values for object balls: red-1, yellow-2, green-3, brown-4, blue-5, pink-6, black-7. In International Snooker the balls used are 2-1/16" diameter.

The Rack: Play begins with the balls placed as in the diagram above. The pink is spotted on the Pyramid Spot. The apex ball of the triangle of reds is racked as close as possible to the pink without touching it.

Baulk-line and Baulk: A straight line drawn 29" from the face of the bottom cushion and parallel to it is called the Baulk-line and the intervening space termed the Baulk.

The Half Circle: The Half Circle is a semi-circle described in Baulk with its center at the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11.5". When the striker has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle he may place the base of the cue ball anywhere on the line or within the Half Circle, and may use his hand or any part of his cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball--as long as it is judged he is not attempting to play a stroke.

Object of the Game: To score a greater number of points than opponent.

Scoring: Points are scored in two ways: players are awarded points for fouls by the opponent (see Penalties For Fouls below), and by legally potting reds or colors. Each legally potted red ball has a point value of one; each legally potted color ball has a point value as indicated (Balls Used above). A frame ends when all balls have been potted, following the Rules of Play; if, however, only the black (7) ball is left on the table, the frame ends with the first score or foul. If the players' scores are equal after that scoring, the black is spotted on its original position and the layers lag or draw lots for the choice of playing at, or assigning opponent to play at, the black ball with the cue ball in hand within the Half Circle, first score or foul then ends the frame.

Opening Break: Players lag or draw lots for choice of break in the opening frame. In a match format the players alternate the break in subsequent frames. Starting player has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle. He must cause the cue ball to contact a red ball. It is not necessary to send a ball to a rail or into a pocket. Failure to meet this requirement is a foul (see Penalties For Fouls) A foul is scored and--with all fouls--the incoming player has a choice of (1) accepting the table and becoming the striker, or (2) requiring the offender to break again.

Rules of Play

Every game has a certain amount of rules to enable the game to flow smoothly.   Even games of chance such as bingo require many rules.  Snooker is a complicated game that has multiple rules.  We have laid them out here for your review:

1.) A legally potted ball entitles the striker to continue at the table until he fails to legally pot a ball.

2.) On all shots, the striker must comply with the appropriate requirements of Rules of Play 5 and 6. 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 (ball on). Failure to contact a legal object ball first is a foul.

3.) As long as reds are on the table, the incoming striker (player taking his first stroke of an inning) always has a red as his legal object ball (ball on).

4.) Any red balls potted on a legal shot are legally potted balls; the striker need not call any particular red ball(s), pocket(s) or details of how the pot will be played.

5.) When the striker has a red ball as his "ball on" (legal object ball), he must cause the cue ball's first contact to be with a red ball. Failure to do so is a foul (See Penalties For Fouls)

6.) After the striker has scored a red ball initially, his next legal object is a color, and 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). When reds remain on the table and a color is his object, the striker must (a) designate prior to stroking which color ball is his object (that specific color is then his "ball on"), and (b) cause the cue ball's first contact with a ball to be with that colored ball. If the striker fails to meet these requirements, it is a foul (See Penalties For Fouls).

7.) If the striker's ball on is a red, and he pots a color, it is a foul.

8.) If the striker's ball on is a color, and he pots any other ball, it is a foul.

9.) Jump shots are illegal in International Snooker. It is a foul if the striker intentionally causes the cue ball to jump (rise from the bed of the table) by any means, if the jump is an effort to clear an obstructing ball.

10.) While reds remain on the table, each potted color is spotted prior to the next stroke (see Spotting Balls below for spotting rules). After a color has been spotted, if the striker plays while that ball is incorrectly spotted (and opponent or referee calls it before two such plays have been taken), the shot taken is a foul. If the striker plays two strokes after such error without its being announced by opponent or referee, he is free of penalty and continues playing and scoring normally as though the spotting error simply had not occurred. The striker is responsible for ensuring that all balls are correctly spotted before striking. If the striker plays while a ball(s) that should be on the table is not a foul may be awarded whenever the foul is discovered during the striker's inning. Any scoring prior to the discovery of the foul will count.

11.) When no reds remain on the table, striker's balls on become the colors, in ascending numerical order (2,3,4,5,6,7). These legally potted colors are not spotted after each is potted; they remain off the table. (The black (7) ball is an exception in the case of a tie score; see Scoring.)

Illegally Potted Ball: Reds illegally potted are not spotted; they remain off the table. Colors illegally potted are spotted. (See Spotting Balls.)

Object Balls Jumped off the Table: Reds jumped off the table are not spotted and the striker has committed a foul. Colors jumped off the table are spotted and the striker has committed a foul. (See Penalties For Fouls)

Spotting Balls: Reds are never spotted. Colors to be spotted are placed as at the start of the game. If a color's spot is occupied (to mean that to spot it would make it touch a ball), it is placed on the spot of the highest value color that is unoccupied. If all spots are occupied, the color is spotted as close as possible to its original spot on a straight line between its spot and the nearest point on the top (foot) cushion.

Cue Ball after Jumping off the Table: Incoming player has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle. When cue ball is in hand within the Half Circle (except the opening break), there is no restriction (based on position of reds or colors) as to what balls may be played; striker may play at any ball on regardless of where it is on the table.

Touching a Ball: While balls are in play it is a foul if the striker touches any object ball or if the striker touches the cue ball with anything other than the tip during a legal stroke.

Snookered: The cue ball is snookered when a direct stroke in a straight line to any part of every ball on is obstructed by a ball or balls not on. If there is any one ball that is not so obstructed, the cue ball is not snookered. If in-hand within the Half Circle, the cue ball is snookered only if obstructed from all positions on or within the Half Circle. If the cue ball is obstructed by more than one ball, the one nearest to the cue ball is the effective snookering ball.

Angled: The cue ball is angled when a direct stroke in a straight line to any part of every ball on is obstructed by a corner of the cushion. If there is any one ball on that is not so obstructed, the cue ball is not angled. If angled after a foul the referee or player will state "Angled Ball", and the striker has the choice to either (1) play from that position or (2) play from in hand within the Half Circle.

Occupied: A spot is said to be occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without its touching another ball.

Touching Ball: If the cue ball is touching another ball which is, or can be, on, the referee or player shall state "Touching Ball." Thereafter the striker must play away from it or it is a push stroke (foul). No penalty is incurred for thus playing away if (1) the ball is not on; the ball is on and the striker nominates such ball; or (3) the ball is on and the striker nominates, and first hits, another ball. [If the referee considers that a touching ball has moved through an agency other than the player, it is not a foul.] 

Push Stroke: A push stroke is a foul and is made when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball (1) when the cue ball makes contact with the object ball, or (2) after the cue ball has commenced its forward motion. Provided that where the cue ball and an object ball are almost touching, it shall be deemed a legal stroke if the cue ball hits the finest possible edge of the object ball.

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." The incoming player (1) may play the ball(s) as they lie, or (2) may request that the ball(s) be returned to the original position and have the offending player play the stroke again. Note: if the ball on cannot possibly be hit, the striker is judged to be attempting to hit the ball on.

Free Ball: After a foul, if the cue ball is snookered, the referee or player shall state "Free Ball." If the non-offending layer takes the next stroke he may nominate any ball as on. For this stroke, such ball shall be regarded as, and acquire the value of, the ball on. It is a foul should the cue ball fail to first hit, or - except when only the pink and black remain on the table - be snookered by, the free ball. If the "free ball" is potted, is is spotted, and the value of the ball on is scored. if the ball on is potted it is scored. If both the "free ball" and the ball on are potted, only the value of the ball on is scored.

Fouls

If a foul is committed:

1. the player who committed the foul incurs the penalty prescribed (which is added to the opponent's score), and has to play again if requested by the next player. Once such a request has been made it cannot be withdrawn. 2. should more than one foul be committed in the same stroke the highest value penalty shall be incurred. 3. any ball improperly spotted shall remain where positioned, except that if off the table it shall be correctly spotted.

Penalties for Fouls

The following are fouls and incur a penalty of four points or the higher one prescribed:

1. value of the ball on -

by striking:

a) when the balls are still moving from the previous shot. b) the cue ball more than once (double hit). c) without at least one foot on the floor. d) out of turn. e) improperly from in hand within the Half Circle.

by causing:

f) the cue ball to miss all object balls. g) the cue ball to enter a pocket. h) a snooker with free ball. i) a jump shot.

2. value of the ball on or ball concerned -

by causing:

a) a ball not on to enter a pocket. b) the cue ball to first hit a ball not on. c) a push stroke. d) by striking with a ball not correctly spotted. e) by touching a ball with other than the tip of the cue. f) by forcing a ball off the table.

3. value of the ball on or higher value of the two balls by causing the cue ball to hit simultaneously two balls other than two reds or a "free ball" and the ball on.

4. penalty of seven points is incurred if -

the striker

a) after potting a red commits a foul before nominating a color.

b) uses a ball off the table for any purpose.

c) plays at reds in successive strokes.

d) uses as the cue ball any ball other than the white one.

 About The Pocket

POOL's pocket : 

Corner pockets are smaller than side pockets. Cushions change direction into the pocket at an angle. The end of the rails at the pocket opening are covered with a pocket facing which is not seen when covered with the rail cloth.

SNOOKER's pocket :   

  

Corner Pockets and side pockets are the same size and are significantly smaller than pool pockets.

The ball enters the pocket after passing through a curved gateway which is a continuation of the cushions.  Unlike pool rails, pocket facings are not needed.

 

Cushion changes direction into

pool pocket at an angle. ( pool )

 

Notice the curved lead into the snooker pocket. ( snooker )