Snooker pool is growing in popularity

Northern Daily Telegraph, Saturday 20 February 1904

Snooker pool is growing in popularity, and it is really a very excellent game. As this is the first time, I believe, that I have referred to the game in this column, let me explain for the benefit of those who may not know that the fifteen coloured billiard balls are placed on the table as in pyramids, and the white ball is used by each player as the cue ball throughout the game. The pink ball is spotted on the billiard spot, the blue on the middle spot, the brown on the right-hand spot in baulk, the green on the centre spot in baulk, and the yellow on the left-hand spot in baulk. The value of the balls are: Pink ball, 6 points; blue, 5 points; brown, 4 points; green, 3 points; yellow, 2 points; each red, 1 point. It is necessary to play at a red ball first, and having taken it or another red ball or balls, then at a pool ball. A red ball must always he taken before a pool ball. The pool balls after having been potted are replaced on their respective spots, but after all the red balls have been taken the players play at each pool ball in rotation in their order as coloured on the marking-board until all have been potted. A correspondent, “H. W.,” has asked for these particulars, which may be useful to other players.