UK Championship 25/11 - 7/12

[daffie]

Cheers for the info. I'm in Holland and while we are a very open and free society with many people that have disposable income, and fully legal casinos, we don't have the intense society-accepted betting-culture of the UK. Must be some specific differences which explain the big gap in betting-culture between our countries. You know I watch the football (Match of the Day) faithfully as i do snooker (of course) and also other English sports and sporting events, and I'm always amazed at the incredible high number of betting sponsors and adverts at these events. It almost seems like sports in general in the UK is 'run' by betting sponsors. I assume this could be partly true. Also maybe where in the past it used to be the tobacco companies that 'ruled' sports and when smoking advertisements were banned, the betting industry took over?

Anyway...I'm just curious. Apologies for this completely off-topic banter...

[Haitch]

Being able to place a bet is so straight forward in the UK. There are dozens of free bet offers and if you have good self-discipline, there is a good chance you can make a modest amount of money from it. First round snooker matches are generally seen to be good opportunities to make a quick buck.

There is no golden formula that indicates the likelihood of Barry Pinches beating Tom Ford for example. William Hill could offer 11/10 Pinches 4/5 Ford and Ladbrokes may well price it up 10/11 Pinches and 5/4 Ford.

If you were to back £50 on Pinches at 11/10 at WH and £50 on Ford at 5/4 at Ladbrokes you would be win a fiver… if Ford wins you win £12.50.

Anyway besides the arbing example above, people generally like to think they know the sport perhaps better that the bookmakers… they feel they have an edge and if you know Barry Pinches for example has been flying in practice knocking in back to back maxis then you may feel he should be nearer 4/7 therefore it makes sense backing him.

Back on topic, I guess the answer about betting fascination is the UK tends to have a high amount of disposable income and it is so easy to place bets.

[daffie]

On a side note...just what is this fascination with betting (in the UK)? Maybe it's me but I just enjoy watching the snooker and the battle. Never ever does betting or odds enter my thoughts...I think it takes away from the beauty of our game. But again...maybe it's just me

Anyway...it's nice to see Matthew Stevens in the Line-up. Waiting to see how Dechawat Poomjaeng will fair And Tony Drago vs Dominic Dale should be great fun to watch as well. Just to name a few...

[inacion]

I have been looking to some 1st round matches, Jimmy White to beat Dave Harold @ 1.53 seems a good bet.
Dave Harold played 6 tournaments this season and was lost all on 1st round.

[Rocket147]

I couldn't get over the format change for the UK champs (from 1st round best of 17 frames to best of 11 frames), but I've had my hizzy fits and am over it now lol. I'm looking forward to the UK champs as always. It's great to know Ali Carter is competing from the 1st round. There are many new names I haven't heard of too, so it'll be interesting to see how they perform.

[daffie]

Odrl I hope you will provide us with your usual
excellent analysis of this tournament.

I echo this sentiment

And I am really looking forward to the UK Championship as well...should be a great one as usual.

[robertmac]

Odrl I hope you will provide us with your usual
excellent analysis of this tournament. There has
been some awesome matches lately and I hope
this tournament provides many more.

[snookerball]

If it's like last year you buy tickets for the area (arena or sports hall) and then it's a mad dash when they open the doors to get seating for the matches you want. Although you can fairly easily see all of the matches in the main arena if you sit in the middle two tables seating as it's open. I really enjoyed my day there last year, alas I won't be going back this year but never mind.

[robertmac]

I am definitely looking forward to this great tournament
and there should be some exciting matches to watch.
I dont know the answers to your questions but I am sure
others will reply who will know.
I am hoping from some great snooker from Trump, Ding,
Robertson as well as Williams, Murphy, Walden, Hawkins,
Bingham, and of course O'Sullivan and others.

[Haitch]

Looking forward to this one and great to see the live snooker back on the BBC.

Question for you... if I was to go up to watch a first round game there are 4 tables in the sports hall and 4 in the arena... can I choose which match to watch on the day or do you by your tickets for each exclusive match?

Also, what number of spectators are their likely to be for say the Burden v Wakelin game? Just wondering if it is a couple in the sports hall watching or are there actually decent numbers.

Thanks