Q. HOW DO YOU RACK A SNOOKER TABLE?

A. Snooker is a points game.  The player with the most points wins the game or “frame.”  POINTS: Each of the 15 Red balls are worth 1pt.  Color Balls: Yellow = 2, Green = 3, Brown = 4, Blue = 5, Pink = 6, Black = 7.  

A racked snooker table has all the color balls on their spots [see photo below] and the 15 reds in a triangle directly behind the pink ball.  The 15 reds are tightly racked with the lead red as close to the pink ball, without touching it, as possible.  A coin is tossed to determine who is to break-off.  DO NOT toss the coin on the table as it might damage the cloth, instead catch the coin with your hand.

The winner of the coin toss determines who breaks-off. A player must break-off inside the “D” at the baulk with a red ball being “on.” Meaning, that the player must hit a red ball first.  A red ball is always “on” when a player begins their break (or turn).  See Snooker Glossary for the definition of more terms.

Q. HOW DO YOU WIN A FRAME OF SNOOKER?

A. Snooker is a points-based game. Whoever scores more points wins the game. HERE is a link to the official rules of Snooker. See below for a quick start.

Points are determined by the color of the balls potted. The red balls are worth 1pt each, the yellow ball = 2pts, the green ball = 3pts, the brown ball = 4pts, the blue ball = 5pts, the pink ball = 6 points, and the black ball = 7pts.

At the beginning of each break(turn), a player must hit or pot a red ball first, then pot a color ball(non-red). The color ball gets re-spotted and the player then must attempt a red ball, then a color ball, then a red ball, until they miss a pot or foul.

For example, Player A starts their break by potting a red ball {1 point},  then a color ball must be indicated and potted to gain more points.  Let’s say, Player A indicates the black ball {7 points} as the color ball and pots it, then the black ball comes back out on its spot.  So, Player A scores 8 points so far {8 points = (1 red + 1 black)}.  Next, a red ball is now “on” and must be hit/potted first.  Player A then pots a red ball {9 points = (1 red + 1 black + 1 red)}.  A color ball must be indicated and hit/potted.  Player A indicates and hits the black ball, but the black ball does not go into the pocket and the break ends at 9 points.  Player A made 9 points on that break, scores the points, and sits down for Player B to start their break, with a red ball on…

The player with the most points wins.  

Defensive points are earned by snookering your opponent causing them to miss the ball that is on or when your opponent fouls in other ways.  A snooker is when another ball is in the path of the cue ball and the target ball.  So, a direct shot on the target ball is not possible, and a cushion(rail) or swerve is needed.  There is NO JUMPING CUEBALLS in snooker, it is a 7 point foul, and it will most likely damage the table. (player will incur the cost of repair)  

Fouls occur when a player does not hit the ball that’s on, cueball going in-off (into the pocket), or touching any other ball on the table before hitting the ball that’s on.  Foul points range from 4 points to 7 points.  Fouls involving the yellow ball, green ball, and brown ball are 4 points each.  Fouls involving the remaining colors are equal to their value; blue = 5pt foul, pink = 6pt foul, black = 7pt foul.  

Here is a link to a playlist of snooker tutorials.  Here is a link to the World Snooker Official Rule Book, recently updated.  Here are some links to YouTube snooker educators and coaches: Chris Henry Sports, Break From Life, Nic Barrow, Barry Stark, Barton Snooker.  Here is a link to USSA a resource page.  

Q. HOW DO YOU WIN A SNOOKER MATCH?

A. A “Match” is won when a player wins a predetermined amount of frames before the other player does.  A common match is first to 2 frames or first to 3 frames.  Better players will play more frames

Q. DO YOU NEED TO USE THE RESERVATION SYSTEM TO PLAY AT OX?

A. No. Walk-ins are welcome, but in order to reserve a table beforehand, you must use the reservation system. As a member, you must use the reservation system to book a table after hours. 

Q. DO YOU NEED A MEMBERSHIP TO PLAY SNOOKER OR POOL AT OX?

A. No.  OX is open to the public and has daily public hours.  All players are welcome to play on ALL four  (4) amazing snooker tables and eight (8) incredible pool tables and all players are welcome to apply for membership.  Our goal is to improve the standard of cue sports and we want interest from casual players as well as serious players.  You may want to become a member so you will have 24-hour access to the club.

Q. HOW MUCH DOES THE MEMBERSHIP COST?

A.  The annual fee is $200 plus a one-time security deposit of $300. The security deposit is fully refundable after two months. If membership is canceled before two months, the deposit is refundable minus a %15 admin fee. 

Q. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A MEMBER?

A.  You will have secure access to the venue 24/7, receive 20% off table time rates, invitations to members’ tourneys and parties, and receive special member promotions.

Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PLAY PER HOUR?

A. OX BILLIARDS does NOT accept cash. Table times/rates vary and are subject to change without notice. Maximum four players per table. 

Sun - Sat, Happy hour rates 3pm-7pm @ $12/hr. 

Sun - Thr, Evening rates 7pm - 12am @ $15/hr.

Weekend Fri - Sat, Evening rates 7pm -12am @ $20/hr.

Members receive 20% off table time rates.

After Hours Member Rates @ $8/hr.

Q. DO YOU HAVE A MONTHLY PROGRAM FOR PLAY ALL YOU WANT? OR A WEEKEND PROGRAM FOR PLAY ALL YOU WANT?

A. Yes, on occasion we do. We will announce any such event well beforehand.

Q. WHAT TABLES DO YOU HAVE AT YOUR CLUB? 

A. We have four XingPai STAR Tournament snooker tables and eight Rasson Ox 9-foot Professional pool tables.

Q. DO YOU SELL TABLES, CUES, AND ACCESSORIES?

A. Yes, OX sells Rasson Billiards pool tables for homes and clubs. We have an online shop and a shop at the club that sells various accessories. Our stock is updated frequently so Inquire within or online.

Q. CAN MEMBERS BRING GUESTS DURING OFF-HOURS ACCESS?

A. Yes. plus one, only. See terms and conditions for details 

Q. CAN MEMBERS PURCHASE ALCOHOL FROM THE CLUB DURING OFF-HOURS ACCESS?

A. No.  Alcohol will not be for sale during off-hours.  You may not bring alcohol into the club at any time.  

Q. CAN MEMBERS BRING THEIR OWN ALCOHOL INTO THE CLUB DURING AFTER-HOURS ACCESS?

A. No. You may not bring alcohol into the club at any time.

Q. CAN I RENT ALL OR PART OF THE VENUE FOR MY PRIVATE PARTY?

A. Yes. Inquire about renting the space for your special event.