The Math of Snooker: How to Calculate "Snookers Required"

We’ve all been there. You are down 35 points. There are three reds left on the table. Your opponent misses a long pot. You look at the table, then look at the scoreboard, and then start doing mental gymnastics.

“3 reds times 8 is 24… plus the colors… is 27? Wait, 3 reds is 24 plus 27 is 51. I’m 35 behind. 51 minus 35 is… 16. So I can win?”

By the time you’ve figured out the math, you’ve lost your concentration on the shot.

Snooker is a game of rhythm, but it is also a game of math. Knowing exactly how many points are remaining—and specifically if you need snookers to win—is critical to your shot selection.

The "Points Remaining" Formula

To calculate the maximum points remaining on the table, you need to remember one magic number: 8.

Each Red remaining represents a potential 8 points (1 for the Red + 7 for the Black).

• Reds: Count the reds left.
• × 8: Multiply that number by 8.
• + 27: Add 27 (This is the value of all the colors: Yellow, Green, Brown, Blue, Pink, Black).

Example:
There are 4 Reds left.
4 × 8 = 32.
32 + 27 = 59 Points Remaining.

If you are trailing by 60 points, you need a snooker. If you are trailing by 59, you can tie (respotted black).

The Complication: The "Free Ball" and Fouls

The math above works perfectly... until someone commits a foul.

If your opponent fouls and leaves you a Free Ball, the math changes instantly. A Free Ball essentially adds another "Red" (worth 1 point) and a potential "Color" (worth 7 points) to the table.

Suddenly, the "Points Remaining" jumps up by 8.

• Standard 4 Reds: 59 Points Remaining.
• 4 Reds + Free Ball: 67 Points Remaining.

Trying to calculate this while holding your cue, under pressure, in a dimly lit snooker hall is a recipe for a headache.

The Modern Solution: Stop Counting, Start Playing

The professionals on TV don't do this math in their heads—the referee and the scoreboard do it for them. You should have the same advantage.

That is why we built Snooker Scorer.

Instead of doing mental arithmetic, our app calculates "Points Remaining" dynamically after every single ball you pot.

• Real-Time Updates: As soon as you tap a Red, the remaining points drop by 8.
• The "Difference" Bar: We show the difference between scores next to the points remaining. If the difference is greater than the points left, the app instantly alerts you: Snookers Required.
• Foul Handling: If you enter a foul, the points transfer to your opponent, and the target recalculates instantly.