The free ball rule applies in snooker when a player commits a foul and leaves their opponent snookered on all balls that are legally on. In this situation, the referee may declare a free ball, giving the incoming player additional options for their next shot.
The rule exists to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage through fouling and ensures the non-offending player has a reasonable opportunity to score or escape.
How the free ball rule works
A free ball can only be awarded after a foul has been committed.
When a free ball is called:
- The opponent may nominate any ball as the ball on
- The nominated ball temporarily assumes the points value of the original ball on
- Normal rules apply once the shot has been played
The referee must be satisfied that the player is snookered on all balls that are legally on.
When a free ball is awarded
A free ball may be awarded only after a foul, when the incoming player is left snookered.
In snooker, the cue-ball is not considered snookered if at least one ball on can be struck at both extreme edges (in a straight line) without obstruction by any ball not on. If no ball on can be struck on both extreme edges, the cue-ball is snookered and a free ball may be called.
In practice, this means a player can still see part of the ball on and be awarded a free ball if they cannot hit both extreme edges of any ball on.
Nomination and scoring
When a free ball is in effect:
- The striker must clearly nominate the free ball before playing the shot
- Potting the nominated ball scores the value of the original ball on. That is, if the original ball on is a red (1 point), and the striker nominates a blue, the free ball potted will count as an extra red and carry a points value of 1.
- If the nominated ball is one of the six colours, it is replaced on its spot once potted
- Play continues with the correct ball on
Free balls and maximum breaks
A free ball can allow a break that exceeds the standard maximum of 147.
If a free ball is awarded with reds remaining:
- The striker may score an extra red-equivalent value
- A break of 155 is theoretically possible
Such breaks are extremely rare and depend on specific foul and snooker conditions.
Situations where a free ball is not awarded
A free ball will not be awarded when the striker is not snookered under the rules.
Specifically, no free ball is given when:
- The striker can strike at least one ball on at both extreme edges in a straight line without obstruction
- A clear edge of the ball on is available on both sides, even if the shot is difficult
- The apparent snooker is self-inflicted rather than the result of a foul
The referee’s judgement is based on whether both extreme edges of a ball on are available, not on whether a full-ball contact or easy shot exists.
Common misunderstandings
A free ball is awarded whenever a player is snookered
A free ball is only awarded after a foul has been committed.
The free ball replaces the ball on permanently
The nominated ball only assumes the value of the ball on for a single shot.
A free ball always leads to a higher break
A free ball provides an opportunity, not a guarantee, of extra scoring.