Can You Predict a 147 Break? The Rarest Feat in Snooker

A 147 break in snooker is the highest possible score a player can achieve in a single frame without any fouls or free balls. To make a 147, the player must pot all 15 reds with 15 blacks, followed by the remaining six colours in this correct sequence. Yellow, green, brown, blue, pink and black. This results in 147 points achieved. A 147 break requires impeccable cue ball control, precision potting and excellent tactical awareness. But can we predict when a 147 break might occur?

A Brief History of 147 Breaks

The 147 break has a somewhat modern history but has become one of the most iconic achievements in snooker. Steve Davis set the first recorded 147 professionally in 1982 at the Lada Classic. One of the most famous 147s came in 1997, when Ronnie O’Sullivan completed a maximum break in 5 minutes and 8 seconds at the World Championship. He still holds the record for the fastest 147 ever. O’Sullivan has a record number of maximum breaks in professional play, which is 15. In the snooker community, it’s unanimous that Ronnie O’Sullivan is the greatest snooker player ever.

The feat became more frequent in the following years due to improved equipment, better playing conditions, and higher quality players. Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, and Judd Trump have all contributed to the growing list of maximum breaks, making them more common. Despite their increased frequency, each 147 remains a standout moment, often earning huge crowd reactions and, in some cases, bonus prizes. As of 2025, there have been just over 200 official 147s in professional competition.

Modern Players and Maximum Break Milestones

Among the current generation, Judd Trump stands out as one of the best break builders in the sport. His aggressive style and daring shot selection have led to the ever-growing tally of 147s, cementing his place among the sport’s modern greats. Other notable names with multiple 147s on their resume are Neil Robertson, Mark Allen, Shaun Murphy and Mark Selby. These players also don’t look to be slowing down soon as they continue to give the snooker community moments of brilliance on the sport’s biggest stages.

The increase in 147s in recent years reflects not just individual talent but also improvements in table conditions, coaching, and the overall professionalism of the sport. Despite the increase in the fantastic feat, it’s still a difficult task to complete. It’s an achievement that wins tournaments, wins over new fans and helps to bring the player’s name to glory in snooker history.

Has the 147 Break Become More Common?

147 breaks have become significantly more common in professional snooker over the past few decades. In the 1980s, only eight official maximum breaks were recorded. This increased to 26 in the 1990s, 35 in the 2000s, and a massive 86 in the 2010s; a clear indication of the sport’s evolution in terms of skill and consistency.

As of April 2025, over 200 officially recognised 147s were in professional tournament play. In the 2024/25 season, a new record of 15 maximum breaks in a single campaign was set. One of the standout moments from the season was produced by Jackson Page. Page made history as he became the first player to score two 147s in a single match during the World Championship Qualifiers.

Several factors have contributed to the rise. One of the most significant is the improvement in equipment and table conditions. Tables are now manufactured to offer players greater consistency and better ball response, which helps them to play with more precision. Also, many of the younger generation are becoming interested in the sport. This means more advanced coaching methods and access to excellent training facilities at an early age. Another factor is the increase in professional matches being played each season. With more tournaments being played, players have a greater chance to attempt and complete 147 breaks.

Can You Predict a 147 Break in a Match?

Predicting a 147 break in a snooker match is extremely difficult, even with modern data analytics and player profiling. While some players are more likely to produce maximums based on their style and form, like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, or Neil Robertson, a 147 still requires a perfect sequence of shots, sustained concentration, and favourable table conditions, all of which are hard to forecast in real time.

Specific indicators might suggest a higher likelihood. For example, a player known for aggressive break-building who is in strong form and facing a loose, open table setup may increase the chances. Matches with less tactical play and more free-flowing scoring frames also tend to provide better opportunities for 147s. However, even under ideal conditions, the odds remain long. A single awkward cue ball position or unexpected bounce can derail a maximum attempt instantly.
Statistically speaking, 147s are still rare despite becoming more common in recent years. The fact that over 200 official maximum breaks have been recorded in decades of professional play, with thousands of matches held annually, shows how hard they are to achieve.

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