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30 Nov 2011 RULES OF SNOOKER

Question : If a player fouls by missing the ball on ie;red,and then proceeds to hit a low colour ie;brown and then hits the black does his opponent receive 4 points or 7points?

Answer : In this case the first ball contact rule applies and the foul is 4 points or the value of the first ball hit.

This would only change if, in the situation mentioned, the black were to be potted. The foul would then be seven points even though a lesser value ball was hit first.

29 Nov 2011 RULES OF SNOOKER

Question : What's the ruling here.. Only one red on table and foul is made and Player A is snookered... Player A is awarded a free ball and nominates for example the green. He tries to pot the green but misses the pot and the balls come to rest with the green somewhere inbetween the cue ball and the red. When is this not a foul ? Does player B have to be able to hit the red ball in a direct line or does he have to hit both sides of the red ?

Answer : Just to clarify the rules first. For the cue-ball to be snookered, the direct path to the 'Ball On' must be partially or wholly obstructed by a 'Ball Not On'. The cue-ball cannot be snookered by the curve of the cushion into a pocket (angled).

In situation quoted, when the Green comes to rest and it is the nearest snookering ball to the cue-ball, the Green is classed as the first snookering ball. Player B would be awarded four points and a free ball. This still applies even if there is another 'Ball not On' between Green and Red that is obstructing the shot. 

If there is another 'Ball not On', for example the Blue closest to the Cue-ball and snookering the Red, even if the Green comes to rest in a position where it is snookering the Red, it is not a foul as the Blue is classed as the first snookering ball.

19 Nov 2011 RULES OF CDSL

Question : I've drawn a player in a competition as the home player. My opponent has told me he cannot get to my venue. Do I have to forfeit my home advantage and try to travel to his venue or is the responsibility on him to get to me? If so what happens if he cannont make it by the deadline date?

Answer : As long as you contacted your opponent within the 7 days of the draw offering three dates, you have met the requirements of the rules. You do not have to give up your home venue and it is up to your opponent to travel to your venue on one of the dates you have offered.

06 Nov 2011 RULES OF CDSL

Question : Does play have to be continuous on both tables?

Answer : Yes. Rule 5.2 states the following "Games shall be played consecutively on the first available table, unless previously agreed upon by the captains".

A short break whilst players prepare is acceptable, but waiting for a frame of snooker to be played is not acceptable unless both captains agree.

03 Nov 2011 RULES OF SNOOKER

Question : Does a player have to nominate the free ball he is going to play?

Answer : Simple answer is No.  A player only needs to nominate the ball if he is asked to by the referee, which goes without saying that if the referee is not sure what ball the player is playing he must ask. This also stands true if a player has potted a red and is now taking a colour.

Common sense must prevail. If there can be any doubt which ball you are on, then nominate.

Section 2 Rule 12 of the ISBF Rules of Snooker covers this.