Why the Remarkable Shots column matters…

The Remarkable Shots column exists for one simple reason: to show newer and intermediate players the kinds of shots that actually come up in real frames — not just the textbook ones.

This shot was a long red along the cushion and required accurate cueing and this was one of many remarkable shots I have played in frames and matches at Oxshott…

When you’re learning snooker, it’s easy to believe the game is built purely on straight pots, simple safety, and routine break-building. But once you start playing competitively — or even in serious practice frames — you quickly realise that unusual, awkward, and sometimes borderline shots appear far more often than expected.

This column is written from direct experience: shots played in league matches, events, and proper practice frames — moments where there’s something on the line and decisions matter. By sharing these situations, the aim is to give developing players a quiet head start:

• awareness of what can happen
• ideas for how to think your way out of trouble
• and confidence that unusual shots aren’t mistakes — they’re part of the game

You may never need every shot shown here. But when one does appear — and it will — you’ll recognise it, understand your options, and feel less surprised by the moment.

In snooker, experience is everything.
This column is about passing some of that experience on — one frame at a time.

There’s a great book called The Complete Book of Snooker Shots which gives you a long repertoire of shots that could come up in frames or to practice – improve your knowledge so you know what shots could come up in frames or matches…

READ THE BOOK NOW …