Rules of Snooker and English Billiards

These are the rules that govern how to play snooker and English billiards.

The current version of the Rulebook was released in May 2022.

The download link on this page will always provide the most up-to-date Rules of the Games of Snooker and English Billiards. Notifications of any changes, together with explanatory notes, will also be published on this page.

Also, if necessary, tools in the form of inserts will be provided for customers who have purchased a hard copy of the Rulebook.

Order Your Copy

To order a copy of the rulebook, please complete this form.

If you require more than one copy, please contact us with your required quantity and location for posting. We will then confirm the total price (including postage) and send you our card payment form to complete
and return to us.

All rulebook and poster orders will be sent by Royal Mail 1st Class (unless you have requested otherwise which will incur additional fees).

We aim to process all orders within 5-7 working days of receiving your order and payment.

The official printed version of the Rulebook will be reviewed every two years and reprinted if necessary, with the next print scheduled after completion of the WST 2023/2024 season.

WPBSA Rules Committee

The Rules Committee is chaired by senior referee Jan Verhaas, who is assisted by Brendan Moore, Paul Collier, Derek Budde, Martin Clark, Colin Humphries, Joe Perry and Peter Lines.

The WPBSA Rules Committee have the responsibility to protect and respect the integrity of the Rules and keep the Game ‘fair’ at all levels. The Committee understands that not every situation can be covered but will always study those situations and try to adjust where necessary to minimize debate and discussion. Therefore, it is inevitable that, from time to time, the Rules may be reworded or changed for the benefit of the Game.