Jack Karnehm

Snookers Voice: Remembering Jack Karnehm

In the pantheon of snooker’s great voices, few commanded the respect and admiration that Jack Richard Horace Karnehm earned during his illustrious career both as commentator and player. Born on 18 June 1917 in Tufnell Park, north London, Jack Karnehm became one of Britain’s most distinguished snooker commentators, gracing BBC television from 1978 until 1994, while also being a former amateur world champion at English billiards and a professional player in both snooker and billiards.

From Player to Pundit

Long before he became the mellifluous voice that guided millions through snooker’s golden era, Jack Karnehm, having had some coaching from Cues n Views favourite, Tom Newman, was making his mark on the baize as a formidable competitor. His true passion was billiards, where he dominated the London amateur scene, capturing the London title an impressive ten times.

Prior to 1969 Karnehm reached the English amateur championship semi-finals only once, but in that year, he won the English championship and crowned his amateur career by also taking the world title. He turned professional in 1970.

Karnehm’s prowess at the three ball game were legendary. He was runner up in the World English Billiards Championship finals of 1971 and 1973 and won the UK Championship in 1980 defeating Rex Williams. He famously stated that he always made a 500 break at billiards before breakfast.

BBC Years: A Voice of Authority

When Karnehm transitioned to the commentary box in 1978, he brought with him the invaluable experience of a former professional player who knew the game inside out. As a regular commentator for Triple Crown tournaments during the 1970s and 80s, he worked alongside the legendary Ted Lowe and emerged as one of the top three commentators during snooker’s golden era.

Karnehm’s commentary style was distinguished by its mellifluous quality; a smooth, honeyed delivery that never overwhelmed the action but always enhanced it. Unlike some commentators who feel compelled to fill every moment of silence, Karnehm understood the art of letting the game breathe while providing insightful analysis drawn from his years of competitive experience.

His technical knowledge was unparalleled. Having competed at the highest levels in both snooker and billiards, Karnehm could spot subtleties in technique and strategy that escaped less experienced observers. This depth of understanding allowed him to educate viewers without talking down to them, striking that perfect balance between accessibility and expertise that defines great sports commentary.

Coaching

Jack Karnehm was renown for coaching and has produced a number of books on the subject.

In 1984 he famously took part in an episode of “In At The Deep End” coaching presenter Chris Serle to play snooker at the professional level. The climax of the programme was a doubles match with Serle teaming up with Steve Davis against Tony Meo and Alex Higgins.

During the following year the VHS video, “Understanding Modern Snooker With Jack Karnehm” which was introduced by BBC presenter Chris Serle was released.

Enterprising Partnership

In 1971 Jack Karnehm joined William (Bill) Hillman to form Jack Karnehm & W G Hillman Billiard Supply Co to manufacture billiard tables. The company was incorporated in 1973 and by 1979 the familiar name Karnehm & Hillman Limited was established.

The company continued in to the 1990s and now the quality of their tables is still well respected and there is a lively second hand market in Karnehm & Hillman tables.

Innovative Vision

Perhaps one of Karnehm’s most enduring contributions to snooker had nothing to do with his voice, but came through his development of swivel lens spectacles. Lenses were set at a compensatory angle, allowing players to look along shots through the optic centre. Jack Karnehm famously designed spectacles for Dennis Taylor enabling him to continue playing at a professional level.

This innovation proved pivotal to Taylor’s career and ultimately to one of snooker’s most famous moments; that dramatic black ball finish in the 1985 World Championship final against Steve Davis. Without Karnehm’s technical ingenuity, the sport might have lost one of its most beloved characters and certainly one of its most iconic moments.

Legacy of a True Sportsman

Jack Karnehm passed away on 28 July 2002, aged 85, but his influence on snooker extends far beyond his years in the commentary box. He represented the start of an era when broadcasters bring genuine authority to their roles, earned through years of competitive experience rather than just media training. He trusted in the inherent drama of the game itself, using his voice to guide viewers through the ebb and flow of matches with the confidence of someone who had been there himself.

In the field of sports commentary, true legends are rare. Jack Karnehm was undoubtedly one of them, a ‘gentleman’ whose voice became synonymous with snooker and whose contributions to the sport extended far beyond the commentary box. In remembering Jack Karnehm, we celebrate not just a commentator, but a complete cue sports man whose passion for the game enriched it in ways both seen and heard.

John A Smith
Cues n Views

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