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At what point does a maximum transform into a 180? When it's Ronnie O'Sullivan, writing yet another chapter in the record books. Precisely then.

In a period when snooker's 147, once considered as elusive as the Abominable Snowman, has repeatedly shown up for the cameras, it fell to O'Sullivan to show that no one does it better. Sinking his second maximum in just over 120 minutes at the a recent tournament in August, O'Sullivan pocketed a record £180,333 in prize money.

As his half-century milestone approaches in December, O'Sullivan maintains an bold streak that sets him apart. Nearly three decades after his legendary five-minute 147 at the Crucible, he continues to be pure box office.

But O'Sullivan, who begins his bid for a record-extending ninth title, is in good company in understanding the path to a maximum. There have been an astonishing twenty-five already on the professional tour in 2025, shattering the previous annual record of 14.

'Any tour professional is now capable'

"You can imagine Moira Stuart in 1983 coming on the Six O'Clock News and informing the nation Cliff Thorburn's had a 147 at the Crucible. It would now get overlooked because it's just like, 'oh, there's been another 147'."

That's the assessment of Shaun Murphy, ranked fourth on the all-time list with 10 maximums. He has a point. Thorburn's maximum was a defining moment for 1983's armchair sports fan. It was only the second official maximum, with Steve Davis making the first. Davis' reward? One of the sponsor's cars.

There were just 8 147s across the whole 1980s, a snooker decade full of theatrical storylines and larger-than-life personalities. For sheer quality, few eras rival the current one.

"Players are chasing their career records and the tour is offering incentives out there," says Murphy. "People are more aware of these challenges. They're practising for them."

Legendary figures like Alex Higgins did not achieve a maximum break on tour. Nor did fellow world champions. Yet promising talent Aaron Hill made a pair inside four weeks. The 23-year-old cannot believe Higgins never had one.

Hill explains: "There are a lot of players who haven't had one. It was always a goal to have my name on the board. The buzz is unreal. Everyone on the tour now has the potential. We're almost expecting one in every tournament. It's everyone egging each other on."

How do you make a 147?

"I think if there is a knack to it, it's recognizing the opportunity quickly," says Shaun Murphy. "When you approach the table early and take a couple of reds and some blacks, and you see the black's on to both pockets... we all think 'hang on a minute, there's a 147 on here'.

"I remain proud of the one I made in the Shoot Out because I tried to make it from the very first pot. To have the personal challenge and then achieve it in the pressure cooker of the Shoot Out was pretty special."

Murphy reflects on the unique atmosphere: "When you're on a maximum, everyone in the room knows it and it heightens their attention. Everyone's focus zooms in on you." Is the 147 becoming commonplace? "Not in my view."

What's next if the 147 code has been cracked?

• Snooker awaits its first official maximum by a woman. The Chinese player Bai Yulu had a 145 at a recently held championship.
• Two 147s in the one contest has been achieved. Two in back-to-back frames next?
• The one-five-five (a 147 plus eight points from a foul shot at the start) has never been achieved in competition. Footage exists of a player making one in practice.
• The 167 is "perhaps the next step," says Murphy, referring to a new challenge involving a special bonus ball for a massive financial prize.

Ronnie O'Sullivan, he's coming for you...

Murphy suggests the surge of maximums is easily explained. "My belief is everyone's getting better. Some of the players down the rankings that the general public have never heard of, on their day they can beat anyone."

The improving "standard and reliability of playing conditions" is also cited as a factor. But in the end, the players are the ones potting the shots.

Hill has two maximums. O'Sullivan holds the record of 17. "Look out Ronnie, he's coming for you." It is said in jest, but Hill fancies the chase.

"At the end of my career, I believe I'll be ranked highly with maximum breaks," he says. At the very least, players now approach their daily business with the thought that the next frame is rich in promise.

Pot the red, follow with the black. Again and again.