What Is The Lowest Score Possible For A Clearance In Snooker ?

[johnny.5]

what is the lowest score technically possible for a clearance in snooker ? from a single visit.
I make it 37
Am i correct ?

[-Talbot-]

Why is the correct answer being ignored?

[jim360]

Looking it up, the correct rule is that the black would only be respotted if the scores were equal after the foul. But even with that in mind, 37 can't be the correct answer, because there is then at least one situation in which the "clearance" didn't end the frame: namely, if the player to clear up had previously conceded 37 points in fouls (or 37 more than the opponent). Then the black would be respotted, and it's clearly not a proper clearance as the frame goes on.

I therefore again suggest that the unique correct answer is 44, which is truly a total clearance, and truly the lowest possible in all circumstances.

[jim360]

Because the OP clearly meant "total clearance" -- ie, including all reds -- and you're just being deliberately awkward.

[-Talbot-]

I'm answering the question with the correct answer.

[jim360]

K

[johnny.5]

talbot you are but i think that is deliberately cheating

and jim i am not fully aware of all the rules of snooker but can the final black ball only be scored on once ?

[jim360]

If the scores are tied after the black is scored on (pot or foul) for the first time, then it will be respotted. Otherwise, yes, it can only be scored on once.

[johnny.5]

talbot it could be zero
I think that the player could physically clear the table with his hands the frame would be awarded to his opponant
but i can't see how it can be 7

[-Talbot-]

I would have a rethink about that, jim.

[jim360]

About what?

[-Talbot-]

You approach the table for your visit 5 points behind, there is just the black left, you pot it and win...with a clearance of 7

[-Talbot-]

Why would the black be respotted if you fowl on it?

[-Talbot-]

Foul

[jim360]

Talbot -- just to be clear, I get the idea that potting the black legally is a "clearance" in the strictest sense. But the question was clearly meant to refer to a "total clearance".

I think you knew that really and you're just being awkward, but never mind.

[johnny.5]

talbot how do you get from only being 5 behind ?

[jim360]

If you foul on the black when seven points ahead, then after the foul the scores are tied. As there has to be a winner of a frame, then the black must then be respotted.

[-Talbot-]

Not correct.

[jim360]

That's lovely, and all, Talbot, but I literally looked up the offical rules of snooker to check my answer:

//
When Black is the only object ball remaining on the table, the first score or foul ends the frame excepting only if the following conditions both apply:
(i) the scores are then equal; and
(ii) aggregate scores are not relevant.
(b) When both conditions in (a) above apply:
(i) the Black is spotted;
(ii) the players draw lots for choice of playing next;
(iii) the next player plays from in-hand; and
(iv) the next score or foul ends the frame.

//

https://www.wpbsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/official-rules-of-the-game.pdf

So, yes, a foul on the black that brings scores level leads to a respotted black.

[jim360]

Pro tip, Talbot: do some research for once.

[-Talbot-]

What exactly are you a 'pro' in (besides being uppity)