Source, EPA website foul snookers

 

It is important to remember that a snooker is completely different to a total snooker, in both definition and application. The definition of a snooker is only applicable following a foul. When assessing a snooker the distance between object ball and cue ball is important. When the cue ball and object ball are a table length apart, the points of finest cut are almost the extreme sides of the object ball. As the distance between the balls decrease, the points of finest cut become closer together. When the two balls are touching the two points of finest contact are the same point. Hence a player cannot be snookered on a touching ball.

 

Source, EPA website referee’s guidance notes 13, 14 & 14.1

 

If a player has been awarded a Foul Snooker, and the player picks up the ball, it is a standard foul (the Referee must retrieve the cue ball). The opponent comes to the table with cue ball in hand.

 

All positions for the cue ball in baulk must be examined. This includes being able to place the cue ball in the jaws of a pocket (but not touching a ball ‘on’), or being able to place the cue ball in the middle of a cluster of balls. A Referee should not attempt to place the cue ball into such positions; the fact that it could be done is enough to deny a snooker.