A maximum 147 break is the highest possible score a player can make in a single frame of snooker under standard rules. It is achieved by potting all 15 reds with a black after each red, followed by all six colours in sequence.
The term is often shortened to simply a 147.
How a 147 break is scored
A maximum break follows a fixed scoring sequence.
- Red (1 point) + black (7 points) x 15 = 120 points
- Yellow (2), green (3), brown (4), blue (5), pink (6), black (7) = 27 points
This produces a total of 147 points.
Any deviation from this sequence results in a lower total.
Full list of 147 breaks in professional snooker history →
Why the black must follow every red
The black is the highest-value colour ball available while reds remain on the table.
To achieve the maximum possible score:
- A colour must be potted after each red
- The black must be chosen every time
- No other colour allows a higher total
Potting a lower-value colour after even one red makes a 147 impossible.
When a 147 is no longer possible
A maximum break attempt ends immediately if:
- A red or colour is missed
- A colour other than black is taken after a red
- A foul is committed by the player at the table
Once this happens, the highest available break is reduced accordingly.
Maximum break versus highest break
A maximum break refers specifically to a score of 147 under normal conditions.
- A highest break is the largest break made in a match or tournament
- A highest break may be lower than 147 if conditions prevent a maximum
- In rare cases, a break higher than 147 is possible due to a free ball
Only a 147 is considered a maximum break under standard play.
Breaks higher than 147 involving a free ball
Breaks above 147 can occur if a free ball is awarded before the first red is potted.
In this situation:
- The nominated free ball is treated as an extra red
- It can be followed by a black
- This creates the possibility of a 155 break
Such a break would include a complete 147 sequence but would rely on a free ball.
Breaks above 147 have occurred in professional competition, most notably a 148 made by Jamie Burnett in UK Championship qualifying. A 155 break has never been achieved in professional play, and there is no established precedent for how it would be classified within official records.
Breaks involving the golden ball
At some non-ranking events, a special golden ball has been introduced under format-specific rules.
- The golden ball is worth 20 points
- It is placed at the centre of the baulk cushion
- It may only be potted after a complete traditional 147 break has been made
If successfully potted, this would produce a total break of 167.
No 167 break has yet been achieved in competition. Under the tournament rules for the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship (correct as of 2025), completing a 167 would carry a prize of $1 million.
Breaks involving the golden ball are specific to this event format and do not form part of standard professional snooker records.
Official recognition
For a 147 to be officially recognised:
- It must be made in a sanctioned match
- The frame must be played under standard professional rules
- Practice table breaks are not counted
Maximum breaks are recorded in professional statistics and often carry prize incentives.
Difficulty and rarity
Despite being a known target, a 147 break is rare.
- It requires precise positional play throughout the frame
- One positional error usually ends the attempt
- Pressure increases as the break progresses
Even elite professionals may complete only a small number across their entire careers.
Common misunderstandings
A 147 can be made without blacks
Only the black allows the maximum total after each red.
Any break over 100 is close to a 147
Small positional errors quickly reduce the maximum available score.
A 147 is always the highest break in snooker history
Higher breaks have been recorded in professional competition when free balls were involved.