The Andover Open

Blackball Rules

After an absence of more than a decade, the Andover Open will be returning to our calendar.

In partnership with The Wolversdene Club and The Hayward Suite, Behind the Baulk Line and RackEmApp, The Open will take place on Saturday 23rd September, 2023. We are delighted to be partnering with Dransfields as a sponsor and table provider, alongside South Coast Building Supplies.

64 players will compete across 8 tables in a double elimination format competing for The Karl Baxter Trophy and a prize fund of £3150 (based upon a full field of 64 entries).

  • Winner: £1500
  • Runner Up: £750
  • Semi Finalists: £250
  • Quarter Finalists: £100

The support of Steve and Carol at the Wolversdene Club has been instrumental in us bringing the event back, so lets support our hosts for their hospitality over the bar.

The main arena table will be streamed all day for all rounds including the final, and we aim to run at least one other stream table during the day.

Entry Criteria

Open to any player aged 16 or over.

Places are not reserved, and the first 64 paid entrants will be the confirmed field. 

Once paid, entries are non-refundable, however will will operate a waiting list of people for you to transfer your place to which will be strictly in order of registered interest.

You have 14 days from date of registration to pay your entry fee.

Rules

The competition ruleset is to be played to standard blackball rules with the exception of the shotclock. Until the semi finals, this will not be enforced unless there is slow play. From the semi finals onwards, the matches will be timed and refereed.

Matches in early rounds without a referee will be self-refereed between the players and we expect fairness and honesty. Disputes are to be raised with the tournament director at the time of the incident. Slow play will result in that match being played on the clock.

The tournament directors decision is final.

The competition will be a double elimination format until 32 players remain when it will be switched to a single elimination for the knockout stages. Win 2 kockout matches to get into the cash prizes.

  • Winners bracket will be Races to 5, Losers bracket will be Races to 4.
  • Quarter Finals will be a race to 6.
  • Semi Finals will be a race to 7.
  • Final will be a race to 8.

Above all, the emphasis is playing within the spirit of game, and common sense trumps.