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147 Maximum Break in Snooker Explained

Find out what a maximum 147 break in snooker is.

Simply put, a maximum 147 break in snooker is classed as ultimate sporting perfection.

Requiring a player to pot 36 balls in a single visit to the table, a maximum break requires incredible skill, complete cue ball control and unparalleled composure.

You'll often hear discussions surrounding the difficulty levels of a 147 break, a 9-dart leg and a hole in one in golf, with wide-public perception being that crafting a perfect 147 break in snooker is the most difficult of the three, which in part, explains how difficult it is to achieve one.

What's a 147 break in snooker?

A 147 maximum break is the highest possible break in snooker, in normal circumstances*.

A player can compile a maximum break by potting each of the 15 reds on the table, with each pot being followed by successfully potting the black.

This would amount to a total of 120 points, with one awarded for each red and seven for each black.

The player would then need to clear up the colours, starting with the lowest valued, which is the yellow (two points).

From there, the green ball (three points), brown ball (four points), blue ball (five points) and pink ball (six points) would need to be potted, in that order, before the player turns their attentions to the seven point black.

Recording a maximum break in snooker is an undoubtedly special achievement in the sport, and one which has been achieved by many of the biggest names to have ever graced the fabled green baize.

*A player can actually register a higher maximum break than 147, with a 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154 and 155 all possible.

This situation could only arise should a player pot a free ball early in the frame, followed by a colour, before proceeding to clear up the 15 reds, each followed by a black, as well as all six higher valued colours.

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