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Learning how to chalk your pool cue is vital if you want to be good at the game. A poorly chalked pool cue can sometimes mean the difference between a win and a loss. If you want to discover how the pro pool players chalk their pool cues, then read on. We can give you all the answers.
Many pool players ask how to chalk a pool cue. So, how is it done? Well, it is rather simple. The key is to tip your pool cue at an angle. As you do this, you will want to lightly brush the pool chalk over the tip. If you do this correctly, the entirety of the pool cue should be covered in chalk, with no bare spots.
Of course, this is just half the story. Learning how to chalk your cue is an acquired skill, and will be a key part of your game. Luckily for you, it is a skill that you should be able to pick up rather easily. Read on and we will give you a complete step-by-step to ensure you chalk your pool cue correctly.
Steps for Chalking a Pool Cue
Here, we want to run you through, step-by-step, the exact process that you can follow to chalk your pool cue. This is the exact method that the pros use, so if you get this right, you will really be able to up your pool playing game.
1. Tilt the pool cue at an angle
One mistake a lot of people make when chalking their pool cue is to point the pool cue straight up. The problem with this is that if you point the pool cue straight up, you will not be able to evenly apply chalk to the tip. This can hamper any shots that you make.
Most people will place the pool cue between their legs and have it at around a 45-degree angle, if not a little less. Try to find a position that is most comfortable for you.
2. Consider the amount of chalk you apply to the pool cue tip
Before you go any further, you will need to think about how much chalk to apply to the tip of your pool cue.
Generally speaking, the smoother the tip of your pool cue is, the more chalk you will need to apply. This will often mean that as your pool cue gets older, the more chalk will need to be used.
That being said, you shouldn’t be going overboard on the amount of chalk that you apply to the tip. It is better to have a light dusting, ensuring that you cover each and every part of the pool tip, then to have a heavy coat of chalk with some parts of the pool cue being left completely bare.
3. Applying chalk to the pool cue
This is where amateurs tend to do things a little bit correctly. They just ‘screw’ the chalk onto the pool cue. The problem with this is not only are you reducing the lifespan of your chalk, but you are also reducing the lifespan of your pool cue. The chalk will also not evenly cover the pool tip.
Part of the reason as to why we suggested you tilt the pool cue is because it makes this step a little easier to accomplish.
The idea is to lightly brush the chalk onto the tip of the pool cue. Gently move the chalk from side to side. As you do this, you should be slowly turning the pool cue. This ensures an even cover. If you are doing this correctly, the chalk will wear down evenly.
It is important that you do not push down too hard when you chalk the tip. If you do, then you will be wearing down the pool cue tip. This just reduces the lifespan of your pool cue and makes it a lot harder to make shots.
4. Knock off any excess chalk
The final step is to gently tap off any excess chalk. If you have applied an even coat, then tapping the base of the pool cue gently on the floor should be more than enough to knock off any excess chalk.
The Importance of Chalking Your Pool Cue Properly
Both the cue tip and the cue pool are incredibly smooth. Without any chalk, there will not be any grip between the two. This can cause a plethora of issues when you are playing.
Perhaps your main issue with playing with a pool cue without chalk on is the fact that you will have no control over the ball when you are aiming it. When there is no friction between the ball and the pool cue, the pool cue will slip ever so slightly when the two make contact. You probably will not notice the small slip when you take the shot, but you will see the ball veers off in a way that you didn’t expect it to, often with a lot less power behind it.
In addition to this, the tip of a cue will become smoother over time. You can replace these tips on many pool cues, but not all of them. As the cue becomes smoother, it will need more and more chalk. If you are not chalking up an older cue properly, then a good chunk of your shots will be poor.
When You Shouldn’t Be Chalking Your Pool Cue As Much
In most situations, you should be chalking your pool cue fairly frequently. However, experienced players may find that less chalk can go a long way in certain situations.
If you do not need to apply any spin to your shot i.e. it is just a straight shot, then you may just want a lighter dusting of chalk. Never play without chalk completely. You will struggle to make your shots.
As you play pool more often, you will start to get a feel for how much chalk you need to be applying to your cue. If you are new to the game, then we recommend that you simply follow our guide on how to chalk a pool cue.
Related Questions
How often should you be chalking your pool cue?
This will be highly dependent on the player. However, it is recommended that most people chalk their pool cue every couple of shots. When you are taking a particularly complicated shot, perhaps one with a small amount of spin, then the pool cue will need to be chalked heavily beforehand.
Does the quality of the chalk matter?
Yes. It is important to purchase high quality chalk like this. It will provide more grip between the cue ball and your cue. In addition to this, higher quality chalk tends to be a little bit softer, despite providing this extra grip. This means that it will not wear down your cue tip quite as much.
Does the color of the chalk matter?
The color of the chalk will not have any impact on your play. The standard color for pool chalk is blue. This is because it is often the same color as the table’s felt, and thus it will not be noticeable if chalk gets onto the felt. It also ensures that the chalk is a bit easier to spot on the cue ball, which can give you an idea as to whether you hit the ball correctly.
See Also:
How to Maintain a Pool Cue Shaft
4 Best Pool Cues For Spin
4 Best Viking Pool Cue Reviews
4 Best Mcdermott Pool Cue Reviews – Detailed Reviews
