Snooker is said to find its origins nestled in the heart of the British Empire beginning as a pastime for the British Army officers stationed in India during the 19th century.

Legend has it that – while stationed in Jubbulpore, one of these officers, a Sir Neville Chamberlain (no, not the Prime Minister) fancied merging elements of two games – ‘pyramid pool’ and ‘black pool’ . From that combination our beloved game of snooker was born!

Over the years, this initially casual pastime metamorphosed into a game of finesse and strategy.

But let’s pause and wonder: why the name ‘snooker’? Well, here’s the often cited anecdote for you. Fresh cadets, or ‘snookers’ as they were “endearingly” called, often fumbled during their maiden attempts at the game. Chamberlain would often chide them (as Officers did)… “You’re a real snooker!”

And just like that, the game had its name.