Snooker Shoot Out 2023 rules, shot clock limit and tournament format

Author Photo

Chris Wakelin will look to defend his Snooker Shoot Out crown when the action gets underway this week in Swansea. 

Starting on Wednesday, December 6, the event is set to last for four days with the third round, fourth round, quarterfinals, semifinal and final all set to take place on Saturday.

The tournament will see some of the best players in the sport face off in a competition that adopts some unusual rules and has a shot clock. 

The Sporting News brings you up to date with all the rules and what the format looks like for this year's event. 

MORE: Where to watch Snooker Shoot Out 2023: TV channel, live stream for Swansea event

Snooker Shout Out 2023 rules and shot clock

Since 2017, the Snooker Shoot Out has been on the calendar as a ranking event which has proved a controversial inclusion. 

That's because unlike all other events throughout the year, the Shoot Out has a completely different set of rules that are focused on providing entertainment through speed. 

To begin with, each match lasts only one ten-minute frame which means that players only have one opportunity for success. There's also a shot clock during each frame with the first five minutes having a 15 second shot clock and the last five minutes having a ten second shot clock. 

When determining which player breaks off, the pair lag, which is when the white ball is played off the bottom cushion with the player looking to get it as close to the top cushion as possible. 

During the match, players must hit a cushion with any ball or pot a ball with every shot in order to not obtain a five-point penalty as a result. 

Lastly, if the frame finishes in a tie, a blue ball shoot-out determines the winner. In that event, the blue ball is placed on its spot and the cue ball can be placed anywhere within the D with the winner of the lag deciding who goes first. In order to prevent a fluke, the blue ball can only be potted directly into the pot the player picks and mustn't bounce into another pocket. 

The player with the most points at the end wins. Frames can finish well before the 10 minutes if a player makes a substantial winning break though.

Snooker Shout Out 2023 format and schedule 

Wednesday, December 6 - First round

Thursday, December 7 - First round

Friday, December 8 - Second round

Saturday, December 9 - Third round, fourth round, quarterfinals, semifinal, final

What is the Snooker Shoot Out 2023 prize fund?

Organisers have not confirmed the total prize fund for this year's tournament but last year's totalled £171,000 and can be broken down as follows.

As well as the winner taking home a cheque for an estimated £50,000 if they win the 2023 Snooker shoot Out title, all players who take part in the event will win a share of the total prize fund. 

The biggest amount of money, other than for the winner, will go to the runner-up who will likely win £20,000 for their performance in Swansea. Semifinalists will win £8,000 whilst the four losing quarter finalists will take home £4,000. 

After that, the prize fund allows for players in the last 16 to win £2,000 and those who reach the last of 32 stage, £1,000. There's also nominal prize money for players who feature in the last 64 (£500) and last 128 (£250). 

Author(s)
Author Photo
Nathan Evans is a data editor for The Sporting News.
LATEST VIDEOS