Frame ball

[Djef]

Hi,
On television they often show "Frame ball". = number of points after which the opponent needs snookers.
I have a tough time trying to come up with a formula to calculate that at any point.
e.g. what would the frame ball be for a player that pots his first red (after break) and the score is then 1 - 0.
Would that be 72 ?
How do you calculate that automatically ?

Thx.

[DeanH]

take the number of reds on table, multiply by 8, add 27 = possible score available on the table.

or remember the following:
1 red = 35 points available
2 reds = 43
3 reds = 51
4 reds = 59
etc.

So frame ball is dictated by the current score and possible left on table.
if all reds and blacks the "frame ball" would be the 10th red for 73 score as then only 67 left on table

of course not often is all reds are taken with Blacks

this make sense?

[Djef]

Thanks, makes sense.
The only caveat would be to never calculate the frame ball after a red was potted.
Only after a color ?

Paul

[DeanH]

the "Frame ball" (whether Red or Colour) is always the ball potted that makes the score greater than the number available on the table (as all blacks)
As you said the commentators will often then say the next colour makes the "frame safe" (safer) because the opponent will probably need two snookers and less likely to step up

[Nifty50]

Unless you’re playing Selby. In that case you need to add 20 points lol

[Mark187187]

Unless you’re playing Selby. In that case you need to add 20 points lol

Or if you're Ronnie of 2021 you can add up to 140 (134 after the ref steps in)

[Djef]

I'm putting this in a computer program for python demo & workshop purposes: the formula should be:

active_player_points_so_far + points_on_table_until_frame_ball > opponent_points_so_far + points_on_table_after_frame_ball
It's easier said than done :-)

We will do a Selby special edition with standard extra 4 pts built in.

Paul