Why Use Chalk?
We'll start with the question of why players chalk their cue tips so often. If you are a beginner, you will quickly learn how and when to use chalk. The primary function of chalking the cue tip is to prevent a miscue by the tip sliding off the ball. You will notice that most players will use chalk before every shot. On some occasions, more chalk will be applied if the shot being made requires English or some other type of spin. The application of the chalk will aid in your initial contact with the cue ball and will help to prevent you from making a bad shot. This commonly seen little cube of chalk will become your best friend as you progress as a player. Cue tip chalk is made by crushing silica and the abrasive substance corundum or aloxite into a powder and using forced air to achieve the desired consistency. It is combined with dye (originally and most commonly green or blue-green) and a binder (glue).
Finally, hydraulic press is used to compress the "chalk" into large cakes which are dried on a rack, and then cut into small cubes, dimpled on the top to receive the cue tip, and wrapped in paper sleeves. Each manufacturer's brand has different qualities, which can significantly affect play. High humidity can also impair the effectiveness of chalk. Harder, drier compounds are generally considered superior by most players.
The other type of chalk is applies to the hands. This is not seen as often, unless you are playing at an experienced or professional level. Many casual players opt to play bare hand without applying chalk or using grip gloves. Hand chalk can be used to reduce friction between the cue and bridge hand during shooting, for a smoother stroke. Some brands of hand chalk actually are made of compressed talc. Hand chalk comes in two forms - as a solid and in powdery talc form. The cone-shaped chalk shown below is a popular style seen in many bars and pool halls. The portion of the bridge hand that contacts the cue shaft is rubbed across the cone and the chalk transfers to the hand. The use of hand chalk or talc is entirely up to the player. Where cue tip chalk must be used, hand chalk is totally optional.
Chalking your cue tip is essential to playing the game and maintaining control over your shots. Don't ever overlook the step of chalking up before a shot. You will find that if this is omitted, the majority of your shots will be miscues and your accuracy will suffer. Hand chalk is a personal preference. Many professional players prefer to use a slick pool glove over hand chalk or talc because of the messiness of the powders. Another way to avoid use of hand chalk is to simply use a hand towel. All three of these things serve the same purpose. The drier your hands are, the better control you will have over your cue stick.
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