Power Snooker rules
skysports.com explains the rules of the exciting new Power Snooker format to be introduced in October.
Last Updated: 22/07/10 4:34pm
Barry Hearn has pinpointed a new form of snooker called 'Power Snooker' as a way of dragging the game into 2010 and attracting a new vibrant young audience.
World Snooker chief Hearn has retained the blue chip events in snooker but has introduced a host of new events, and Power Snooker is the newest form of the game.
With the shot-clock first introduced for the Premier League being used, Power Snooker is also based on points and not frames and each match has a time limit.
Let us talk you through the new revolutionary rules of Power Snooker.
Power Snooker
* Instead of the traditional rack of reds, nine reds will be placed in a diamond formation next to the pink.
* The middle red, marked with the Power Snooker logo, is the PowerBall. Once potted, this triggers a two-minute PowerPlay during which every ball potted counts double. If a shot is missed during a PowerPlay, the clock stops and the player's opponent inherits the remaining time.
* Each game lasts half an hour. The clock starts when the reds are broken and stops as the final black of each frame is potted.
* A shot clock limits players to 20 seconds for each shot.
* If the 20-second shot clock is exceeded, there is a 20-point penalty and the player still has to take the shot.
* Points count, frames don't. The most points scored after 30-minutes wins the game.
* When a player breaks, two or more reds must hit a cushion, otherwise the player's turn ends.
* The area behind the baulk line is the PowerZone - if the cue ball is struck from within the PowerZone, any colour potted counts for double or, during a PowerPlay, quadruple.
* A century break in any frame is worth 50 bonus points. If this is repeated in the next frame, 100 bonus points. If this is repeated in the third frame, 200 bonus points.
* The 'ball in hand' principle applies following a foul shot. The cue ball can be positioned anywhere in the PowerZone.
