Snooker uses a fixed points-based scoring system that determines the outcome of frames, matches, and tournaments.
Understanding how points are awarded, lost, and calculated is essential for following the game at both amateur and professional levels.
The scoring system applies consistently across all standard formats of snooker, from club play to televised competition.
How scoring works in snooker
Points are scored by legally potting balls in the correct order.
During a frame:
- The striker scores points for each ball legally potted
- Only the player at the table can score points
- Points accumulate until the visit ends
The player with the higher total score at the end of the frame wins the frame.
Ball values
Each ball in snooker has a fixed point value.
- Red balls: 1 point each
- Yellow: 2 points
- Green: 3 points
- Brown: 4 points
- Blue: 5 points
- Pink: 6 points
- Black: 7 points
There are 15 reds and 6 colours on the table at the start of a frame.
Order of play
The sequence of scoring depends on whether reds remain on the table.
While reds are still in play:
- A red must be potted first
- A colour is then potted
- Colours are respotted after being potted
Once all reds are potted:
- Colours must be potted in ascending order
- Colours are not respotted once cleared
- Failure to pot the correct colour ends the visit
This structure governs all legal scoring within a frame.
Fouls and penalty points
Points can also be awarded due to fouls committed by the opponent.
When a foul occurs:
- The non-offending player is awarded penalty points
- The minimum penalty is 4 points
- The penalty may increase depending on the ball involved
Penalty points are added directly to the opponent’s score but do not count toward a break.
Free balls and special cases
In certain foul situations, a free ball may be awarded.
A free ball:
- Allows a nominated ball to be treated as the ball on
- Scores the value of the ball on if potted
- Can affect maximum possible scoring in rare cases
Free balls are situational and do not alter the standard scoring values of balls.
Frame conclusion and points required
A frame can end in several ways:
- One player concedes
- All balls are potted and a lead is established
- The points remaining are insufficient for the trailing player to catch up
Points required refers to the amount a trailing player needs to score, either through potting balls or receiving penalty points, to overtake the opponent given the points remaining on the table.
Maximum possible score
Under normal conditions, the highest possible score in a single visit is 147 points.
This assumes:
- Fifteen reds are potted with blacks
- All colours are then cleared in order
Higher totals are only possible in exceptional situations involving free balls, or in formats that introduce additional scoring balls.
Common misunderstandings
Points from fouls count toward a break
Penalty points are added to the score but are not included in a player’s break.
Colours always stay off the table once potted
Colours are respotted after being potted until all reds have been cleared.
The highest break always wins the frame
Frames are decided by total points scored, not by the size of individual breaks.