Snooker is the class that makes people either love strategy games or scratch their heads in confusion. Borrowed from the billiards game of the same name, AAC Snooker has its own set of rules that are unlike anything else in agility. Once you understand the pattern, though, it's one of the most rewarding classes to run.
The Basic Structure
A Snooker run has two parts: the opening and the closing. Each part has different rules about which obstacles you can take and in what order.
The Opening
In the opening, you follow a red-obstacle-red-obstacle pattern. Here's how it works:
- The course has several jumps marked with red numbers. These are your “red” obstacles.
- The other obstacles on course are assigned point values: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
- You must take a red jump, then a colored (numbered) obstacle, then another red, then another colored obstacle, and so on.
- Each red is worth 1 point.
- The colored obstacle you take after each red is worth its face value (2 through 7 points).
You typically get to complete two or three red-colored combinations in the opening, depending on how many reds are on course. Each red can only be used once, but you can repeat the same colored obstacle after different reds.
The Closing
After you've completed your red-colored combinations, you move into the closing sequence. The closing must be done in order: 2, then 3, then 4, then 5, then 6, then 7. Each obstacle is worth its face value. If you fault or skip one, your run ends right there.
How Points Add Up
Let's walk through a sample scoring scenario. Say you complete three red-colored combinations in the opening, choosing the 7-point obstacle each time:
- Red (1) + 7-point obstacle (7) = 8 points
- Red (1) + 7-point obstacle (7) = 8 points
- Red (1) + 7-point obstacle (7) = 8 points
- Opening total: 24 points
Then in the closing, if you complete all six obstacles:
- 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 27 points
Grand total: 51 points. That's a perfect run. In practice, most teams won't get a perfect score, but it gives you a target to aim for.
Strategy for the Opening
The opening is where your strategy matters most. Here are the key decisions:
- Always go for the 7 if you can. After each red, you want to take the highest-value obstacle available. The 7-point obstacle (usually the weave poles or a contact obstacle) is your best friend.
- Plan your reds carefully. Choose reds that set you up for a smooth path to the 7-point obstacle. Taking the wrong red might leave you stranded on the wrong side of the course.
- Don't take risks you don't need. If the 7 is in a tough spot after a particular red, go for the 5 or 6 instead. A successful 5-point obstacle is worth more than a faulted 7.
- Set up for the closing. Your last red-colored combination should leave you near the number 2 obstacle so you can flow smoothly into the closing.
Strategy for the Closing
The closing is all about execution. You know exactly which obstacles come next (2 through 7 in order), so there's no decision-making. The challenge is doing them cleanly under time pressure.
- Walk the closing sequence multiple times. Know exactly where each obstacle is.
- Plan your handling for each transition between obstacles.
- Keep your dog moving — time is limited and you need to complete all six.
- If you fault on the 2 or 3, your run is essentially over. Those early obstacles matter.
Common Mistakes
- Taking two reds in a row — You must alternate: red, colored, red, colored. Two reds back-to-back ends your opening.
- Missing a red — If your dog knocks the bar on a red jump, that red doesn't count. You can try another red if one is available, but you've lost time.
- Poor path planning — Choosing reds that force you to cross the entire ring to reach a high-value obstacle wastes precious seconds.
- Running out of time — A beautiful opening means nothing if you can't finish the closing. Be mindful of the clock.
- Faulting early in the closing — A refusal or knocked bar on obstacle 2 or 3 ends your run with very few closing points.
Is Snooker Worth Entering?
Absolutely. Snooker rewards teams that can think ahead, execute a plan, and adapt when things don't go perfectly. It's different from every other class in agility, and many handlers find it becomes their favorite once they get the hang of it.
Scoring Snooker with its opening combinations and closing sequences can be tricky to manage on paper. Barkloop automates Snooker scoring so trial secretaries get accurate results without the headaches.