Snooker is believed to have been developed from a combination of Pyramid Pool and Life Pool. Although Snooker's origin is not recorded clearly, it is understood that a Colonel Sir Neville Chamberlain  conceived the game in the British Army Officer's Mess in Jubbulpore, India, in 1875.

The name Snooker was applied to the game when a young subaltern visited Sir Neville's Devonshire regiment and explained that first year cadets at Royal Military Academy, where he had trained, were called "Snookers".

Then, during a game of the new "Pool game", when one of the young officers missed a pot, Chamberlain called him a "Snooker" referring to his lack of experience. Subsequently the name "Snooker" was adopted for the game itself.

Chamberlain subsequently promoted the game in Army establishments throughout his postings in India and in 1882 in Ootacamund, the first rules were drafted and recorded. The game of Snooker then spread widely, with the movement of Army personnel, throughout the British Empire However, these rules were not recognised by the Governing Body of the time, "The Billiards Association" until 1900.

Snooker eventually took over from English Billiards as the dominant cue sport in the 1930's when the legendary Joe Davis actively promoted the game throughout the World.