In snooker, the phrase snookers required is used when a player is so far behind on points that potting all remaining balls on the table is not enough to win the frame. In this situation, the trailing player must rely on their opponent committing fouls in order to close the points gap.
The concept is simple but often misunderstood, particularly in televised matches and live scoring graphics.
How many points remain available in a frame
At any point during a frame, a fixed number of points are still available depending on which balls remain on the table.
- Each red is worth 1 point
- Each colour has a fixed value from 2 to 7 points
- Colours are re-spotted until the final red is potted
- After the last red, colours are potted in ascending order without being re-spotted
The maximum number of points remaining is calculated by assuming the highest possible scoring sequence from that position.
When snookers are required
Snookers are required when:
- The points difference exceeds the total points remaining on the table
- The trailing player cannot overtake their opponent by potting balls alone
For example, if only the colours remain and the maximum available points are 27, a player who is 30 points behind cannot win by scoring alone. They require at least one snooker that leads to a foul.
What counts as a snooker in this context
A snooker, in terms of points recovery, is any situation where the opponent commits a foul and concedes points.
- A foul on a red or colour typically awards 4 points minimum
- Higher-value fouls can award up to 7 points
- Multiple fouls may be required depending on the points deficit
The snooker itself does not score points. Only the foul that follows matters.
Minimum snookers required
The number of snookers required is based on the smallest foul value that could reasonably be conceded.
- Most scoreboards assume fouls of 4 points
- A 5-point deficit beyond available points is shown as snookers required: 2
- A 9-point deficit is shown as snookers required: 3
In practice, higher-value fouls can reduce the number of snookers needed.
Tactical implications
When snookers are required, the leading player will usually adopt a conservative strategy:
- Avoid risky pots
- Play safe shots that keep distance from the cue ball
- Prioritise cue ball control over scoring
The trailing player, by contrast, focuses on forcing errors rather than building breaks.
Conceding the frame
Although frames are sometimes won after snookers are required, it is common for players to concede when:
- The points deficit is large
- The remaining balls offer limited snookering opportunities
- Continuing would offer no realistic chance of recovery
Conceding is a tactical decision and carries no penalty.
Common misunderstandings
Snookers required means the frame is effectively over
Frames can still be won if fouls are forced, particularly when several reds remain.
A snooker itself scores points
Only the foul that follows a snooker scores points.
The displayed number of snookers required is exact
The figure shown is usually based on 4-point fouls and may change if higher-value fouls occur.