How does a snooker frame end, and what happens in a tie?
B · Beginner · The game · 4 of 5A frame ends when a player concedes, or when only the black is left and a player claims it with a lead of more than seven. Otherwise the first pot or foul on the last black ends it. If the scores are then level, the black is spotted, lots decide who plays, and that player shoots from the D.
How it works
- Concession: a frame ends when a player concedes and the opponent accepts.
- Claim on the black: with only the black left and a lead of more than seven, the striker may claim the frame; if the non-striker leads by more than seven, it is awarded to them.
- The last black: the first pot or foul ends the frame, unless the scores are then level.
- Level scores: the black is spotted, lots are drawn for the choice of who plays, and the next player plays from in-hand.
- The respotted black: the first pot or infringement ends the frame.
- Aggregate scores: where totals decide a game, the respotted black is used if the totals are level at the end of the last frame.
- A game: an agreed number of frames, won by most or the required number.
- A match: an agreed number of games.
The glossary has the frame, the respotted black, the concession, the match, the foul and the in-hand.
Tricky cases
A player leads by six with only the black left and fouls it. Who wins?
A foul on the black costs seven points, so the opponent goes one ahead and the frame ends in their favour.
Scores are level and the black is respotted. Who plays first?
The players draw lots, and the winner chooses who plays first. That player plays from the D.
Does the respotted black go on in a timed or aggregate event?
Where aggregate scores decide the game and the totals are level after the last frame, the players of that frame play a respotted black.
Can a player concede while still able to win on the table?
A player may offer a concession, but conceding while no player needs snookers can be treated as unsporting conduct.
Why the rule exists
A lead of more than seven with only the black left cannot be caught, so the claim saves time. The respotted black gives a quick, fair tie-break that uses the game itself.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Last black | First pot or foul ends the frame | WPBSA Snooker 3.4(a) |
| Level scores | Respotted black | WPBSA Snooker 3.4(b) |
| Snooker Shootout | Level scores at the end lead to a blue-ball shootout | WPBSA Snooker Shootout rule 14 |
| Concession rules | Conceding is limited | WPBSA Snooker 4.2 |
From the rule book
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Official Rules of the Games of Snooker and English Billiards (May 2022 update), snooker part, Section 2 Rules 1 to 3 and Section 3 Rules 1(f) to 1(h) and 4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the association's rule book, which covers snooker and English billiards together.