Why do we chalk our pool cues?

Everyone who's seen a game of pool has no doubt seen chalk being used, but why?

Cue Chalk? Why do we bother?

Anyone who has watched a game of pool has no doubt seen the players frequently applying chalk to their cue tip. In fact, even a complete newbie to the game is probably applying a heavy layer of chalk to their cue tip after most every hit. They might just be doing it so it looks like they know what they're doing, but there is actually a very important reason for it!

Chalk is used to introduced friction between the pool cue and the cue ball. Cue tips are hard rounded surfaces and cue balls are also hard rounded surfaces. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that they are probably going to glance off of each other without a little help. This is otherwise known as the dreaded miscue.

What is a miscue?

In the simplest terms, a miscue is when a player fails to hit the cue ball properly in pool. Another way to think of it is this: imagine the first time you went to hit a cue ball and instead of going straight, it went sideways. That's a miscue.

The reason miscues are such a big deal is that they still count as a stroke, so miscuing on your turn is the same as losing your turn. Miscuing just once or twice can be devastating for any player, especially at higher skill levels.

I use chalk but still miscue, what should I do?

If you're noticing that you are still miscuing a lot even though you're applying chalk, then the first thing to do is make sure your form is solid. Cue chalk is not going to compensate for poor form. Make sure you're controlling where you hit the ball and that you are following through on your stroke.

If you're confident in your form, then it's possible your cue just isn't holding the chalk as well as it needs to be. Don't worry though, this can be fixed by using a cue tip scuffer. These are just a few dollars and as the name implies, they scuff the tip of your cue which allows it to hold chalk better.

If all else fails, it may be time to look at replacing your tip.

How do I properly chalk my cue?

Something else that's worth addressing, because a lot of people do it wrong, is how to chalk a cue. When you chalk your cue, don't put the chalk on the end and turn it like you're sharpening a pencil.

Use the edges of the chalk to rub it onto the cue. This way you'll actually apply chalk to the tip of the cue, instead of having it all just fall off.

Can I play pool without chalk?

You don't need to use chalk when playing pool, but don't expect your game to go very well. The most effective way to hit a cue ball without using chalk is by hitting it straight on, as close to center as possible. This limits what you can do while playing.

There are some recommendations online for DIY solutions if you don't have chalk on hand, like lipstick or cigarette ash, but we recommend just making sure you always have chalk on hand. First off, the DIY solutions aren't going to work as well, so you'll still be playing at a disadvantage. Secondly, no one wants cigarette ash or lipstick getting rubbed into their pool table.

We are proud to have Silver Cup Cue chalk, as well as their hand chalk, available for sale on our website. This chalk is made in the United States of America, so you know it's great.