Created to capitalise on the growing popularity of televised snooker, as well as to offer a slightly different version of the game, the event was initially staged at the Crystal Palace in London, sponsored by Courage Brewery through their Hofmeister brand.

29 pairs entered the event, which was played from the last 16 in London.

[1] Due to poor attendance of the inaugural event it was moved to the Derngate in Northampton.

By the end of the 1980s, other more significant events were making up the snooker calendar and the tournament was eventually abandoned.

Four of the six tournaments were won by the pairing of Steve Davis and Tony Meo.