The Game of Freda

Killyleagh Rules

As played at Killyleagh Castle, Co Down on a snooker table:-

1. An order of play is decided amongst the players prior to starting the game. This order must be adhered to. If a player loses 3 'lives' he/she must leave the game and the next player will restart proceedings in the same manner as at the beginning of the game and the ranks close up. The red ball is placed in the centre spot of the D (snooker table). The first player must propel the white ball from the opposite end of the table and is allowed 3 attmpts to hit the red ball. If the player fails, he/she loses a 'life' and the next player in turn will start the game. Once the red ball has been struck by the white ball the game begins and it is then the turn of the next player.

2. Each player's turn follows in succession and starts from the moment the red and white balls come into contact at the end of the previous player's turn or if a rule is broken during that turn. His/her turn finishes if a rule is broken or when he/she has touched the white ball and that ball subsequently comes into contact with the red ball.

3. Successive players may handle the white ball, but only when it is their turn. If a player plays out of turn, he/she loses a life. The player whose turn it actually is restarts the game.

4. The white ball may be picked up at any time by the appropriate player (and as frequently as necessary) until it comes into contact with the red ball (at which time it becomes the turn of the next player). The player may only release (or deflect) the white ball when both his/her feet are placed on the ground behind either end of the table. A 'life' is lost if the white ball is not propelled from either end of the table. The next player in turn restarts the game

5. The red ball can only be kept moving through contact with the white ball, which itself must be rolling freely (or stationary) at the time of contact. The player may not be in contact with the red ball in any way whilst it hits the white ball or will otherwise lose a life. The next player in turn restarts the game.

6. No player is allowed to touch the white ball directly. If this occurs that player will lose a 'life' and the player whose turn it is restarts the game.

7. The red ball must not stop. If this occurs the player whose turn it is will lose a 'life' and the next player in turn restarts the game.

8. Neither white nor red balls may leave the table either via the pockets or over the edge. If this occurs the player who last caused the respective ball to keep moving loses a life and the next player in turn restarts the game.

9. No player may unreasonably obstruct the play of another. Unreasonable obstruction loses one 'life'. Appoint a sober umpire if absolutely necessary.

10. The decision of the owner of the table or his/her deputy is final.

11 (optional) Owner of table (or member of host family!) should be allowed to win.

Seaforde Variants

Manderston Variants

Larchfield Variant (Rule 1)

Rule 8 variants

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Updated Dec 2021