Snooker is one of the most strategic classes in UKI agility. Inspired by the billiards game of the same name, it challenges you to think carefully about obstacle selection, point values, and timing. If you enjoy planning and problem-solving, Snooker is your class.
The Basic Structure
A Snooker run is divided into two parts: the opening period and the closing sequence. Each part has its own rules, and understanding both is key to posting a competitive score.
The Opening Period: Red-Color Sequence
During the opening, you must alternate between red jumps and colored obstacles. The pattern is always: red, then a color, then red, then a color, and so on. There are usually three red jumps on course, so you get up to three red-color combinations.
Each red jump is worth 1 point. The colored obstacles have different point values:
- Yellow — 2 points
- Green — 3 points
- Brown — 4 points
- Blue — 5 points
- Pink — 6 points
- Black — 7 points
After each red jump, you choose which colored obstacle to attempt. You can pick the same color more than once during the opening if you want to — so going red-7-red-7-red-7 is a valid (and high-scoring) strategy if your dog can handle it.
What Happens If You Fault a Red?
If your dog knocks a red jump bar or refuses, you do not earn that 1 point and you must move on to the next red. You cannot attempt a color after a faulted red. This makes clean red jumps essential to your opening strategy.
What Happens If You Fault a Color?
If you fault a colored obstacle, you earn zero points for that color and move on to the next red. The run continues, but your score takes a hit.
The Closing Sequence
After completing your opening red-color combinations (or when you decide to move on), you enter the closing sequence. The closing consists of the colored obstacles taken in order from lowest to highest value: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
You must take them in this exact order. If you fault any obstacle in the closing, your run ends immediately. The closing is where big scores are made — successfully completing all six colors in the closing adds 27 points to your total.
Scoring Summary
Your final Snooker score is the total of all points earned during both the opening and the closing. The maximum possible score (assuming three successful red-7 combinations plus the full closing) is quite high, making every point count.
Snooker is a points-based class, so the dog with the highest score wins. In the event of a tie, the faster time breaks it.
Strategy Tips
Aim High in the Opening
If your dog is reliable, go for the 7-point obstacle (black) after each red. Three successful red-black combos give you 24 points in the opening alone. However, if the 7 is in a tricky spot on course, picking a safer 5 or 6 might be smarter.
Walk the Closing First
When you walk the course, start by studying the closing sequence. The 2-3-4-5-6-7 path is fixed, so plan your opening around it. You want your last opening combination to leave you near the start of the closing.
Manage Your Time
Snooker runs have a time limit. If you spend too long in the opening chasing high-value colors, you might run out of time in the closing. Balance ambition with efficiency.
Have a Backup Plan
If your dog faults a red early, adjust your plan on the fly. You might need to skip a red-color combo and head straight for the closing to maximize your score with the remaining time.
Smooth Transitions Matter
The teams that score highest in Snooker are the ones that flow smoothly between obstacles. Avoid sharp turns and long runs between reds and colors. Pick combinations that keep your dog moving efficiently.
Scoring Snooker by hand can be tricky — keeping track of reds, colors, and the closing sequence in real time is a lot to manage. Barkloop handles Snooker scoring automatically, so trial secretaries can focus on running a great event. Give Barkloop a try at your next UKI trial.