Snooker words · Intermediate

The words that make the commentary make sense. They build on the beginner words.

I · Intermediate · 14 words · Step 2 of 2

Basic setup terms

Spots

The marked points on which the colours sit at the start of a frame and are re-spotted: yellow and green at the corners of the D, brown at the middle of the baulk-line, then blue, pink and black along the centre line.

Snooker terms

Safety shot

A defensive shot that tries to leave the opponent in a difficult position instead of scoring, for example by snookering them.

Also called: safety play, safe
See also: Break

Plant

A shot where one ball is used to knock another directly into a pocket.

Free ball

After a foul, if the cue ball is snookered, the referee calls free ball. The next player may nominate any ball as the ball on and play it as such. If it is potted, it is put back on its spot.

Respotted black

If the scores are level when only the black remains, the black is put back on its spot, lots are drawn for who plays, the cue ball is in hand, and the first pot or foul ends the frame.

Baulk

The line 29 inches from the bottom cushion, across the table, and the space between it and that cushion. The D is a semi-circle in baulk, and a ball played from in-hand must be struck from within its lines.

Long pot

A shot aiming to pot a ball from a considerable distance across the table, generally riskier than a short pot.

Miss

When the cue ball fails to hit a ball that is on first. The referee may call a miss after a foul if the player did not make a good enough attempt, and the opponent may ask for the shot to be played again.

See also: Cue ball

Push stroke

A foul stroke in which the cue tip stays in contact with the cue ball after it starts to move, or as it hits an object ball.

See also: Cue ball

Jump shot

A shot in which the cue ball jumps over another ball. It is a foul in snooker except in the listed cases, and costs at least four points.

General technique terms

Cue ball control

The overall skill of directing where the cue ball ends up after contact, key to setting up future shots.

See also: Cue ball

Screw shot

A shot using backspin to pull the cue ball backward after contact with the object ball.

See also: Cue ball

Stun shot

A shot that stops the cue ball almost dead on contact, using a specific mix of speed and minimal spin.

See also: Cue ball

Break building

The strategic sequencing of shots during a break to keep good position throughout a long run.

All Snooker words