The Basics of Chalking a Cue Stick

Why do You Chalk our Pool Cues?

If you’ve ever played or watched a game of pool, you might notice a small cube of blue chalk for your cues. You might rub the chalk onto the tip of your cue, but do you actually know how to use it or what it’s for? If not, let’s change that, and teach you how to chalk your cue stick properly.

What does chalk do?

Chalking your cue stick will increase friction between the tip and cue ball during impact. The tip of a cue stick is typically smooth, and so is the cue ball. During in non-center hits, chalking will help prevent and altogether avoid slipping between the cue tip and struck ball.

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READ: 3 Drills to Keep Your Cue Stick Level

How should you chalk?

Determining how to chalk your pool cue depends on the level of its hardness. If you have a softer cue, for example, it generally will be able to hold more chalk, but overall it won’t last as long as a harder cue.

Applying chalk is frequently compared with applying lipstick. While it should be covering the tip of the cue stick lightly, it should still be a thorough and even coat. Maximizing the amount of chalk while maintaining your pool cue is not difficult, but requires consistent and conscious effort.

READ: The Basics – Hitting Softly

For an adequate coating, tilt your cue at an angle and rub the chalk on in a brushing motion. Slowly turn the cue while steadily covering the tip in chalk. You know your technique is successful if you don’t drill a hole in the chalk, as driving a hole in the center will get chalk all over the ferrule.

Do not try to remove excess chalk from the pool cue. Banging the stick on the side of the table can cause damage to your equipment, and blowing the chalk off can put moisture on the tip that will cause chalk to be cake-like and ineffective.

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How frequently should you chalk?

Answers will vary among players regarding how often you should chalk your cue stick, but a good rule to follow is to chalk every, and if not every other shot. If a shot requires extra spin on the ball, chalking is advised because it will provide additional friction during the impact.

Are there disadvantages to chalking too often?

In terms of the success of a shot, excessive chalking will generally not affect anything. However if you’re looking to strike the cue ball in a way that requires minimal spin, chalking is advised against.

READ: Controlling Our Cue Stick I BCA Instructor Mark Finkelstein

The only real disadvantage of chalking too often is that it builds up chalk dust on the table and balls. Try to prevent chalking directly over the table so you don’t unintentionally get dust on any of your equipment. Doing so can cause unpredictable results after your shots, such as how far or fast balls can move after impact.

Shopping for Pool Accessories

Whether you’re a beginner or an up-and-coming star, chalking your cue stick is the best way to add friction during your shots, so that you can have a nice spin in each impact. If you’re looking for a new pool table, accessories, or advice to get you ready for your next win, GameTablesOnline.com has got you covered.

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