The ideal snooker playing environment is a closed room with a snooker table in the centre. To make it easier for the players to play the sport, sufficient illumination is cast on the table from above, and all other lights are turned off until the match is finished.
The game necessitates quick plan formation and proper approach during the shot in order to score more points with fewer attempts. As a result, it is necessary to ensure that the room is free of any outside or random noise. Players are provided with a healthy environment in which to perform at their best.
Because snooker is a cue sport, all equipment used for this purpose must meet IOC (International Olympic Committee) requirements and must be durable and comfortable in order to improve the players’ performance. The equipment utilised in this sport will be discussed in this chapter.
Table
11 feet 8.5 inches by 5 feet 10 inches should be the dimensions of the playing surface. There are six pockets on the table, one at each corner and two in the centre of the longer side.
Cloth
The tablecloth is a woollen cloth with a directional nap and a black ball spot. Brush and iron the directional nap in the direction of the baulk to the top end. The cue ball’s orientation is affected by the nap, which is determined by the ball’s firing direction.
Balls
On the table, there are 22 balls: 15 red, 6 colour balls, and a white cue ball. Each ball is 52.5mm in diameter. Each colour has its own set of characteristics, which are as follows:
- There are two points on the yellow ball.
- There are three points on the green ball.
- There are four points on the brown ball.
- Five points are awarded to the blue ball.
- Six points are awarded to the pink ball.
- There are seven points on the black ball.
Cue
A cue is a long, tapered stick made of wood or fibreglass with a leather tip. The cue is used to pocket the other balls by hitting the cue ball.
Triangle/Rack
The triangle collects the red balls into the necessary formation for the break to begin a frame.
Butte moitié
When the cue ball is in a position where the entire length of the table must be used to strike it, half butt is a mix of cue and table length rest.
Rest
When the cue ball is out of reach, the rest is a stick with an X-shaped head that is used to hold the cue. A ball marker is a D-shaped notch that a referee uses to designate the position of the ball.