In snooker, the blue ball is placed on the centre spot of the table.
The centre spot lies halfway between the two baulk lines along the table’s length and halfway across its width. The blue is therefore the only coloured ball positioned at the geometric centre of the playing surface. Its value is 5 points, placing it between the brown and pink in the scoring sequence.
The other colours occupy distinct locations. The yellow, green and brown are placed on the baulk line, with the brown on the centre of that line and the yellow and green to either side. The pink sits close to the triangle of reds, while the black is nearest the top cushion, beyond the pack.
The blue’s central position makes it important in both safety play and break-building. Players often use it as a natural target after potting a red, although the black is usually preferred because it scores more. Confusing the blue and pink spots is a common beginner’s mistake: the blue is central, while the pink is near the reds.