# What does 147 mean in pool? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/what-does-147-mean-in-pool/ - Published: 2023-11-05 - Author: Nelson Ayers - Categories: [Basic knowledge & Meaning](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/meaning/) --- As a passionate snooker fan, nothing gets me more excited than witnessing the supreme artistry and skill required to make a maximum 147 break. Let‘s dive into the history, significance and allure behind this pinnacle achievement in cue sport. Snooker and pool are often confused, but they are distinct cue sports. Pool refers to pocket billiards games like 8-ball and 9-ball played on smaller tables with 6 pockets. Snooker originated during Britain‘s colonial rule in India as an extra challenge for billiards champions. ## The Precision and Poetry of Snooker Snooker is played on a 12×6 feet table with narrower pockets, 15 red balls racked in a triangle, and 6 colored balls. The aim is to score more points than opponent by potting reds followed by colors in correct order. This requires tremendous focus and finesse to position the cue ball precisely after each red. It rose to prominence in the early 1900s led by billiards great Joe Davis, who won 15 World Championships between 1927-46. Snooker captured the British public‘s imagination, with nail-biting matches broadcast on radio. The BBC began televising the World Championships in 1978, beaming snooker into living rooms across the UK and catalyzing its golden era. ## So What Exactly is a 147 Break? A maximum 147 break is compiled by potting all 15 reds with blacks (1+7), followed by all 6 colors (2+3+4+5+6+7). The total aggregated points from this perfect clearance come to 120 (from reds) + 27 (colors) = 147 points. Despite its name, technically it‘s a "one-four-seven" based on the cumulative score called out after each scoring visit. This quirky tradition gives us the 147 moniker for this highest possible snooker break. ## By the Numbers: 147 Breaks Through History - The first televised 147 was made by Steve Davis in 1984 at the Lada Classic. - Since 1984, there have been about 154 televised 147s, with 68 made at the Crucible World Championships. - Ronnie "The Rocket" O‘Sullivan holds the record for most 147 breaks with 15 in his career! - Other players with over 10 career 147s are John Higgins (12), Stephen Hendry (11) and Stuart Bingham (10). Here‘s a breakdown of 147 frequencies through snooker history: | Era | Total 147s | Players | | --- | --- | --- | | 1970s | 0 | N/A | | 1980s | 6 | Davis, Thorburn, Stevens | | 1990s | 36 | Hendry, Davis, O‘Sullivan, Doherty | | 2000s | 53 | O‘Sullivan, Williams, Higgins, Selby | | 2010s | 48 | Trump, Robertson, Bingham, Murphy | The exponential growth shows how 147s have become more common in recent decades as players‘ skill and daring have increased. But it remains a monumental and rare feat. ## The Greatest Ever – Ronnie‘s Record 147 in 1997 At the 1997 World Championship, a 21-year-old Ronnie O‘Sullivan cemented his legend by making a maximum in a record 5 minutes and 8 seconds! It was the fastest 147 ever, averaged less than 9 seconds per shot, and described by Steve Davis as the best break he‘s ever seen. This was a seminal moment bringing snooker to a younger generation. Ronnie‘s flair, speed and punk spirit contrasted the slow, clinical playing style. But most importantly, those 5 minutes of complete focus and mastery remain ensconced in snooker folklore. ## The Thrill of the 147 – Sport‘s Ultimate Buzz For most players, compiling a 147 represents the pinnacle – a lifelong dream and badge of honor. The relief and euphoria after potting the final black is palpable. Stephen Hendry recalls his first 147 vividly: "I got down on my knees and kissed the black…it was always my dream to make a maximum in competitive play." John Higgins says the crowd roar after his Crucible 147 gave him goosebumps for 15 minutes! Describing the feeling, Ronnie O‘Sullivan said "It‘s the best buzz you could ever imagine – better than sex, drugs or rock-n-roll." I can only imagine the nerve-shredding intensity being at the table – hyper-focused on each shot, crowd fading away, heart thumping. The outpouring of emotion after completing snooker‘s Holy Grail must be indescribable. A singular, permanent high no drug can replicate! ## The Race for 25 – Can O‘Sullivan Set New Records? Ronnie O‘Sullivan already holds the record with 15 career 147s. But can he inch closer to the magical 25? At age 46, he‘s still going strong and won his 7th World Championship in 2020. As younger guns like Trump, Robertson and Bingham rack up 147s, I‘m excited to see O‘Sullivan continue pushing the boundaries over the next decade. Will we see new 147 records? Only time will tell! So there you have it friend – everything you wanted to know about 147 breaks! Snooker‘s perfect clearance represents an aligning of mind-body-spirit and the ultimate test of cueist skills. Next time you hear that magical "one-four-seven" call, savor the masterclass in precision you‘re privileged to witness! --- Source: [What does 147 mean in pool?](https://33rdsquare.com/what-does-147-mean-in-pool/)