Does a Snooker Frame End When Only the Black Is Left?

In snooker, the frame doesn’t automatically end when only the black ball is left on the table. Here’s how it works:

After all the other balls have been potted in the correct sequence, the black ball remains. If one player is leading by more than seven points at this stage, the frame effectively ends because potting the black won’t change the outcome. The players can agree to stop, or the black is potted ceremonially to conclude the frame.

However, if the points difference is seven or fewer, the black ball becomes critical. The player who pots the black wins the frame, as it is worth seven points. If a foul occurs while the black is on the table, the opposing player can be awarded penalty points, which could decide the frame.

So, while the black ball often marks the frame’s conclusion, whether it actually “ends” depends on the score difference and potential fouls.