A snooker cue is composed of three basic parts: the tip, the shaft, and the butt. The tip is what strikes the cue ball, and varies in size and hardness. The shaft is the core of the cue stick, and varies in type of wood and in length. The butt is a piece of wood that is spliced onto the end of the shaft, and varies in type of wood and in length.

There are also some general modifications that can be made to the cue. The snooker cue can be jointed for easy storage. Typically, it is either split at the middle, or 12 - 16 inches from the butt. Also, the weight can be varied for a different feel using metal inserts. Finally, the length can be extended using butt extensions to allow for more range of motion on the table.

If you are a beginner, you should focus on an easy-to-use, moderately priced snooker cue. Look at a larger tip than standard (9 - 11mm), which will allow you to hit the cue ball more consistently. Your tip should also be a moderate hardness - too soft and the tip will deform too much, too hard and the tip will become slippery - both cases lead to inconsistent shots.

The shaft material is a personal preference - try both ash and maple models to decide which you prefer. A standard cue is about 58 inches long, but if you like a different size better it's perfectly fine to get one.

The butt material is also a matter of personal preference. Try several types before you buy - the popular ones are either ebony or rosewood. The length of the butt is also variable, but you should focus on butt extensions more than the fixed length of the butt. Extensions typically screw into the butt, and allow for a wider range of shot distances than a fixed-length butt.

If you are going to be traveling with your cue often, you should consider getting a split cue - one that is segmented for easy storage. The segments simply screw together and the cue is fully functional. The placement of the split is a matter of personal preference - it does not noticeably alter play for a beginner, so you should primarily consider your storage requirements when picking.

Now, you should know everything that you need to make an informed decision about your snooker cue purchase. Have fun!