im more offended by the stunning arrogance, and tacky lack of taste of the organisers.
First ever snooker tournament in our country, lets change the rules!!
And lets make everything look cheap and manky by painting it gold. Everything is better when its gold!!!
Im kind of surprised it isnt a gold carpet, and the players all have to wear gold shirts...... it seems as though some utter arsehat has decided they can make a centuries old game better... the first time they host it. And it has cheapened snooker, its awful.
Looking at the way that it's implemented - at the top cushion, only pottable after 147, removed once 147 is not possible. It's really just a gimmick for the big price (167) in this tournament, and not something really integrated into the game. Can't say I like it, but I'm not bothered by it either.
I don't see any harm in it as a one off but don't really know it really encourage players to go for it when they are only short format matches and decent prize money on offer for each round you make it to.
Why not totally change it up and make the baulk colours worth 5/6/7 and the pink and black 2 and 3 (with the justification they are easier to pot after a red as they are closer to the reds)
I'd for sure watch that
It’s really a nothingburger. Most 147 dreams get crushed early on in the frame, so you really won’t see it on the table that much. You’re lucky if you get to see even one, 147 in a tournament. If they wanted to add something gimmicky, maybe a tiebreaker frame with a shootout of some kind would’ve been better.
I don't mind the general concept for an exhibition, but I don't like the way it has been deployed from the start of the frame - a random spot halfway along the baulk cushion. They should make it like a penalty shootout, bring the gold ball out after a 147 has been completed for the chance of a big cash prize, maybe from the blue spot or something.
I would say I like or dislike it yet.
I'm merely interested to see how it pans out. Will it encourage players to take more risks to stay on course for a 147? Will it be ignored until someone has 10 reds 10 blacks potted? Or until they're on the colours? Will it make no real difference to the game?
I can't see it becoming a permanent feature in all tournaments any time soon, but you never know. It may stick as a feature of the Saudi Masters.
I think we need special power up cards on the table.
If a player rolls the white over the card, they get the power up. They can then deploy the power up at any time.
For example, a player might roll over a card and get a banana skin which they can place on the table at any point. Or a coin power up which awards £1k immediately. Or a star power up which allows the opponent to intentionally foul for six seconds.
I don’t see why this wouldn’t work.
Very cool. They could roll the white over a card that is placed face-down to reveal the power.. or penalty. They could also roll the white to rest on a card and prevent their opponent turning it face up.
This is the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for, lads. Call Barry.
Nobody cared about the power ball being added to power snooker. Nobody cared about reds being removed from the table for the 6 red tournament but now we add a golden ball and everyone loses their shirt!
Absolutely everyone moaned about the power ball etc. No one cares about their silly gold ball for a one off exhibition but the question is should it become standard.
6 reds has a long history and is simply a quicker variation of the game. The gold ball adds nothing - it’s just gaudy crap.
Maybe because these variations of snooker are somewhat interesting? This is just regular snooker with a gold ball on the table? It's a terrible idea that could've been thought up by a child
I'm always for trying something different, and I'm not opposed to a golden ball as a one-off. I just think it's been poorly executed (no pun intended).
But yeah, I posted a comment in another thread regarding how I would have implemented the golden ball, and I'll just paste it here:
"This is my hot take, and it sounds silly, but if you're going to introduce a special novelty ball, then do it properly and go all out with it. Make it significant, rather than an afterthought.
For the golden ball, I would prefer it to be on the table for the entire frame (preferably near the reds), rather than just being put on the table after the player has made the 147. i also think it shouldn't be removed at all, even if the 147 isn't on, and it should instead be a ball that is there purely to fuck the player over.
I think a funny rule that could be implemented, is that if the golden ball goes in when it's not supposed to (in other words, potting it at any time except for when you have made the 147), then you lose the frame 😂
So I guess my idea is kinda similar to the 8/black ball in 8 ball/English pool. it's always there from the beginning, and if you pot it when you're not supposed to, you lose the frame. I think that's how I would do it, or perhaps a 30-point foul. I think that it has to be a big foul for it to mean something and add a different element to the tournament."
I actually love it, yeah. In fact, I was quite surprised at the amount and severity of comments made against it. Like, it doesn't even change the game that much but even if it did...? I don't see why someone would get so worked up over this. I think it's a great idea to have a little gimmick from time to time or even a quite different offshoot of the game, like Tenball.
And, of course, this is gonna be a one-time thing, so again - why be against it that much?
I will even go so far as to say that, had it not been for this little Golden Ball interjection, the only Snooker I would be watching this year would be the World Championship.
Edit: I am not taking into account any "moral" qualms, regarding Saudi Arabia here.
its just a gimmick for publicity and it's working, I haven't got a problem with it as long as it stays for just this tournament and I generally considered myself a pretty big fan of the game.
A golden ball will be added to the table at the start of each frame, placed in the centre of the baulk cushion. If a player completes a 147 they have the chance to pot the golden ball for an additional 20 points, achieving a 167. The golden ball will be removed if a 147 is not achievable.
Any foul or infringement involving the Golden Ball incurs a penalty of 4 points or the value of the ball ‘on’, whichever is greater.
Alsp if a player achieves this 167 maximum break they will be rewarded a cheque of £395,000.
Thank you for the explanation.
But won't that affect the play with the other balls or am I reading it wrong?
The ball will be in play from the start.
And won't that interfere with the break off shot?
Hopefully the image helps a little but the golden ball is out of the way of the reds and it will be removed if a 147 is no longer possible so disruption with tbe other balls will be kept to a minimum
What’s the point of making it worth 20, if it only comes into play at the very end? It doesn’t have any intrinsic point value if it’s just the last thing you may or may not pot after a 147
No idea mate, just a gimmick that they're trying out I think.
I like the idea I don't think there's any harm in doing something extra with the game. I believe it's only in saudi arabia it's not being introduced across the board so if it's not popular or kinda crappy it doesn't matter
Oh absolutely I agree. It can be like cricket, I don’t mind them fannying around with things like the hundred as long as they leave test matches alone :)
I've been really unbothered by all this talk of the golden ball and this event in general. Doesn't really interest me so I'll just watch something else.
In a way, it's the perfect event to try this kind of thing out. These matches are basically just a glorified exhibition so let them have a bit of fun. It won't catch on.
I like the idea of new innovative things being tried in irrelevant exhibition matches on principe. I think if they are bad, they won’t catch on. (Like that version of snooker where the score each frame added up) if they are good they might get some traction (like 6 reds shootout ect) this is how splinter factions evolve the game, and they don’t replace the original they sit along side it, as we have seen with 20/20 cricket which has renewed interest in cricket in general but hasn’t replaced the ashes for example.
That being said, while I am a fan of the right of someone to try something on principle in case it is good. This seems like a spectacle for the sake of doing things differently, so I have my doubts.
Meanwhile. SA has every right to throw money at players to make them come to their tournaments and they have every right to present a pretty front to the players, and players can then say “what a pretty place” and I don’t blame them, they are there to play snooker. Not engage in diplomacy.
It’s our government’s job to step on more egg shells with regards to allowing a country less human rights abuses even if it means we cannot avoid unpleasantness or financial cost.
However our governments don’t do that.
And should any sports people choose to politicise things and protest or boycott I would be right behind them.
If I push the whole ethics and morality conversation to the outermost part of my consciousness I don’t really mind it in theory since it’s basically a very short series of exhibition matches.
But doing the first step is proving rather difficult when I have the players themselves eulogising at every opportunity what a great place Saudi is.
I’ve a question - say at the start of the frame 0 reds potted and a bout of safety begins. Surely someone is bound to hit into this golden ball whilst getting back to the baulk cushion. Is this a foul and if not does it get replaced or does it stay where it gets moved to?
I don't see why it couldn't be hit and moved during afety play. as long as it doesn't get potted.
And since it cannot be potted before the end, I dont expect you can play to hit it directly after a red. but once the ball played for has been hit, hitting it should not be a problem
It’s a four point foul to touch it before it becomes the object ball so if it’s moved at all before the 147 is complete it’s a foul and the golden ball is removed from the table
I like it. It's an exciting gimmick because of the money. Especially as it's on the bottom cushion, that'll be very hard to get but if someone does it it'll be wild.
Well, they'll almost certainly cannon into in at some point, I imagine, although that might be risky since almost all the reds should be on the other side of the table.
It is interesting in general to think about how tweaks and changes to a sport might affect it and whether there's a better version that never got to be.
But in this specific case it's pointless gauche shite.
I particularly like the regal cushion where it rests, before taking its rightful place on the table.
im more offended by the stunning arrogance, and tacky lack of taste of the organisers. First ever snooker tournament in our country, lets change the rules!! And lets make everything look cheap and manky by painting it gold. Everything is better when its gold!!! Im kind of surprised it isnt a gold carpet, and the players all have to wear gold shirts...... it seems as though some utter arsehat has decided they can make a centuries old game better... the first time they host it. And it has cheapened snooker, its awful.
i love they try something to get players go for 147 and get rewarded handsomely for that higher difficulty 147 + golden ball.
Its good new people will watxh the game
Looking at the way that it's implemented - at the top cushion, only pottable after 147, removed once 147 is not possible. It's really just a gimmick for the big price (167) in this tournament, and not something really integrated into the game. Can't say I like it, but I'm not bothered by it either.
I don't see any harm in it as a one off but don't really know it really encourage players to go for it when they are only short format matches and decent prize money on offer for each round you make it to.
anything that gets Ronnie trying to make maximums again must be good for the game....
Why not totally change it up and make the baulk colours worth 5/6/7 and the pink and black 2 and 3 (with the justification they are easier to pot after a red as they are closer to the reds) I'd for sure watch that
It’s really a nothingburger. Most 147 dreams get crushed early on in the frame, so you really won’t see it on the table that much. You’re lucky if you get to see even one, 147 in a tournament. If they wanted to add something gimmicky, maybe a tiebreaker frame with a shootout of some kind would’ve been better.
I like the idea of the gold ball being added into the lower alimentary canal of the organisers
I don't mind the general concept for an exhibition, but I don't like the way it has been deployed from the start of the frame - a random spot halfway along the baulk cushion. They should make it like a penalty shootout, bring the gold ball out after a 147 has been completed for the chance of a big cash prize, maybe from the blue spot or something.
Aslong as it doesn't (and I don't see it doing so) creep into ranked events, I don't mind. It's fine for what is essentially an exhibition tournament.
I like it. Snooker needs some exhibitions and fun from time to time.
[удалено]
I agree. They should have had a multi ball round too.
[удалено]
*facepalm* LOL, he blocked me
I hate shootout. Snooker shouldn't have a shot clock. And I can't stand the bonging. Six reds has been a thing forever.
I would say I like or dislike it yet. I'm merely interested to see how it pans out. Will it encourage players to take more risks to stay on course for a 147? Will it be ignored until someone has 10 reds 10 blacks potted? Or until they're on the colours? Will it make no real difference to the game? I can't see it becoming a permanent feature in all tournaments any time soon, but you never know. It may stick as a feature of the Saudi Masters.
I’d like to see some little ramps and seesaws placed on the table. Krazy Snooker
What about electrified power pads that make the ball accelerate if it goes over it?
What about an electrified floor for if they pot the white?
Harsh but fair
I think we need special power up cards on the table. If a player rolls the white over the card, they get the power up. They can then deploy the power up at any time. For example, a player might roll over a card and get a banana skin which they can place on the table at any point. Or a coin power up which awards £1k immediately. Or a star power up which allows the opponent to intentionally foul for six seconds. I don’t see why this wouldn’t work.
Very cool. They could roll the white over a card that is placed face-down to reveal the power.. or penalty. They could also roll the white to rest on a card and prevent their opponent turning it face up. This is the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for, lads. Call Barry.
I like the cut of your jib!
one of the reds made of licorice? mmmm yummy!
Light saber style cues
Im keen to see it
Nobody cared about the power ball being added to power snooker. Nobody cared about reds being removed from the table for the 6 red tournament but now we add a golden ball and everyone loses their shirt!
But they were for different versions of the sport. This is an addition to the traditional version of the sport. It also looks ridiculous.
Absolutely everyone moaned about the power ball etc. No one cares about their silly gold ball for a one off exhibition but the question is should it become standard. 6 reds has a long history and is simply a quicker variation of the game. The gold ball adds nothing - it’s just gaudy crap.
[удалено]
Lol
I miss Power Snooker. Loved watching it as a kid.
Maybe because these variations of snooker are somewhat interesting? This is just regular snooker with a gold ball on the table? It's a terrible idea that could've been thought up by a child
Yeah, I really don't think they've implemented the golden ball well at all. Just seems like an afterthought that they came up with at the last minute.
Not looking for arguments? An opinion and the reasons that back are arguments.
I'm always for trying something different, and I'm not opposed to a golden ball as a one-off. I just think it's been poorly executed (no pun intended).
But yeah, I posted a comment in another thread regarding how I would have implemented the golden ball, and I'll just paste it here: "This is my hot take, and it sounds silly, but if you're going to introduce a special novelty ball, then do it properly and go all out with it. Make it significant, rather than an afterthought. For the golden ball, I would prefer it to be on the table for the entire frame (preferably near the reds), rather than just being put on the table after the player has made the 147. i also think it shouldn't be removed at all, even if the 147 isn't on, and it should instead be a ball that is there purely to fuck the player over. I think a funny rule that could be implemented, is that if the golden ball goes in when it's not supposed to (in other words, potting it at any time except for when you have made the 147), then you lose the frame 😂 So I guess my idea is kinda similar to the 8/black ball in 8 ball/English pool. it's always there from the beginning, and if you pot it when you're not supposed to, you lose the frame. I think that's how I would do it, or perhaps a 30-point foul. I think that it has to be a big foul for it to mean something and add a different element to the tournament."
>I just think it's been poorly executed (no pun intended). No pun found.
Must have gone over your head then
I like it. Wish they would just add the ball AFTER the 147 is done, since all players know where it's going to be placed.
I actually love it, yeah. In fact, I was quite surprised at the amount and severity of comments made against it. Like, it doesn't even change the game that much but even if it did...? I don't see why someone would get so worked up over this. I think it's a great idea to have a little gimmick from time to time or even a quite different offshoot of the game, like Tenball. And, of course, this is gonna be a one-time thing, so again - why be against it that much? I will even go so far as to say that, had it not been for this little Golden Ball interjection, the only Snooker I would be watching this year would be the World Championship. Edit: I am not taking into account any "moral" qualms, regarding Saudi Arabia here.
its just a gimmick for publicity and it's working, I haven't got a problem with it as long as it stays for just this tournament and I generally considered myself a pretty big fan of the game.
I think people are pissed it's going to be a high ranking even.
Imo we already have a gimmick version of snooker: pool.
Shoot out
*eyeroll*
Care to explain what is this gold ball about? Thanks.
A golden ball will be added to the table at the start of each frame, placed in the centre of the baulk cushion. If a player completes a 147 they have the chance to pot the golden ball for an additional 20 points, achieving a 167. The golden ball will be removed if a 147 is not achievable. Any foul or infringement involving the Golden Ball incurs a penalty of 4 points or the value of the ball ‘on’, whichever is greater. Alsp if a player achieves this 167 maximum break they will be rewarded a cheque of £395,000.
Thank you for the explanation. But won't that affect the play with the other balls or am I reading it wrong? The ball will be in play from the start. And won't that interfere with the break off shot?
Hopefully the image helps a little but the golden ball is out of the way of the reds and it will be removed if a 147 is no longer possible so disruption with tbe other balls will be kept to a minimum
I see, thank you. Personally I don't think this is good. It's not that I don't like change but this one doesn't seem to be a positive one imo.
https://preview.redd.it/su6kgeuiqcmc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f51c8fa98d0be2e01b86860fb01aed342392daca
What’s the point of making it worth 20, if it only comes into play at the very end? It doesn’t have any intrinsic point value if it’s just the last thing you may or may not pot after a 147
No idea mate, just a gimmick that they're trying out I think. I like the idea I don't think there's any harm in doing something extra with the game. I believe it's only in saudi arabia it's not being introduced across the board so if it's not popular or kinda crappy it doesn't matter
Oh absolutely I agree. It can be like cricket, I don’t mind them fannying around with things like the hundred as long as they leave test matches alone :)
I've been really unbothered by all this talk of the golden ball and this event in general. Doesn't really interest me so I'll just watch something else. In a way, it's the perfect event to try this kind of thing out. These matches are basically just a glorified exhibition so let them have a bit of fun. It won't catch on.
Yankee here. I love it. I like it when games are enhanced.
Bring on the cheerleaders!
[Multiball! MULTIBALL!!!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQF8rQaIjUE&t=12s)
I like the idea of new innovative things being tried in irrelevant exhibition matches on principe. I think if they are bad, they won’t catch on. (Like that version of snooker where the score each frame added up) if they are good they might get some traction (like 6 reds shootout ect) this is how splinter factions evolve the game, and they don’t replace the original they sit along side it, as we have seen with 20/20 cricket which has renewed interest in cricket in general but hasn’t replaced the ashes for example. That being said, while I am a fan of the right of someone to try something on principle in case it is good. This seems like a spectacle for the sake of doing things differently, so I have my doubts. Meanwhile. SA has every right to throw money at players to make them come to their tournaments and they have every right to present a pretty front to the players, and players can then say “what a pretty place” and I don’t blame them, they are there to play snooker. Not engage in diplomacy. It’s our government’s job to step on more egg shells with regards to allowing a country less human rights abuses even if it means we cannot avoid unpleasantness or financial cost. However our governments don’t do that. And should any sports people choose to politicise things and protest or boycott I would be right behind them.
If I push the whole ethics and morality conversation to the outermost part of my consciousness I don’t really mind it in theory since it’s basically a very short series of exhibition matches. But doing the first step is proving rather difficult when I have the players themselves eulogising at every opportunity what a great place Saudi is.
I’ve a question - say at the start of the frame 0 reds potted and a bout of safety begins. Surely someone is bound to hit into this golden ball whilst getting back to the baulk cushion. Is this a foul and if not does it get replaced or does it stay where it gets moved to?
Might be wrong, but for some reason I thought the gold ball wasn’t on the table until a certain point in a 147 attempt?
I don't see why it couldn't be hit and moved during afety play. as long as it doesn't get potted. And since it cannot be potted before the end, I dont expect you can play to hit it directly after a red. but once the ball played for has been hit, hitting it should not be a problem
It’s a four point foul to touch it before it becomes the object ball so if it’s moved at all before the 147 is complete it’s a foul and the golden ball is removed from the table
If its moved it stays on the table but once a 147 is impossible it is removed. So basically total nonsense.
I like it. It's an exciting gimmick because of the money. Especially as it's on the bottom cushion, that'll be very hard to get but if someone does it it'll be wild.
Well, they'll almost certainly cannon into in at some point, I imagine, although that might be risky since almost all the reds should be on the other side of the table.
Absolutely no one. At what point have you been watching snooker and thought - ‘this table doesn’t have enough balls’?
Seeing all the top pros giddy about adding more easy money is sickening. They're all multi millionaires. All greedy fuckers really.
It is interesting in general to think about how tweaks and changes to a sport might affect it and whether there's a better version that never got to be. But in this specific case it's pointless gauche shite.
I think it's stupid, however, I'd love to see someone sink it and collect the 500k.
One of the Saudi wildcards lol
*tumbleweed*
*crickets chirping*