Top 10 Mistakes Beginners Make in Pool and How to Avoid Them

Pool, often referred to as billiards or pocket billiards, is a popular cue sport played on a rectangular table with six pockets. While the game appears straightforward, it demands a blend of strategy, skill, and finesse that can be challenging for newcomers. Beginners often lack knowledge about game rules, shot mechanics, and proper stance, leading to common mistakes that can diminish enjoyment and hinder progress. By recognizing and avoiding these pitfalls, players can enhance their experience on the table and gradually improve their skills.

What is a 147 in Snooker?

147 in Snooker maximum break

A 147 in snooker, also known as a maximum break, is the highest possible score in a single frame. To achieve this, a player must pot all 15 red balls, each followed by a black ball (worth 7 points), and then pot all six colored balls in sequence. This requires exceptional skill and precision, making it a rare and prestigious feat in snooker. The first televised 147 break was achieved by Cliff Thorburn in 1983, and modern players like Ronnie O’Sullivan have further elevated this accomplishment with multiple maximum breaks.

Snooker Basics: Rules, Points, Colors, and Setup

Snooker Rules: A snooker table setup with balls arranged for the game, showing the standard positions of red, colored, and cue balls

Snooker, a prestigious cue sport, originated in the late 19th century through British colonial officers in India who combined rules from various billiard games. Characterized by its larger table and unique colored balls, snooker requires players to pot balls in a specific order to score points. The game begins with 15 red balls arranged in a triangle, and players alternate potting red and colored balls, with values ranging from two to seven points. Understanding the rules and strategies, such as shot selection and positioning, is essential for success in this intellectually demanding sport, which continues to attract a global audience through major tournaments and skilled players.