About Pool Cue Chalk

The use of pool-cue chalk cannot be underestimated. Lightly chalking the tip of a cue allows a nonslip contact between the stick and the cue ball so the ball can be hit off-center without a miscue, which is a faulty stroke in which the tip of the cue slides off the cue ball without achieving the full power of the stroke. Increased friction between the cue and the cue ball means a better shot.

Types

Cue chalk comes in various colors and price ranges. The color of cue chalk should generally match the color of the felt on the pool table, so any chalk left behind can be lightly dusted away without leaving noticeable residue. The most common colors are blue and green, but chalks are also available in orange, burgundy, charcoal, tan, black, red and more.

History

Though the cue stick has been around since the 1600s, cue chalk is a relatively newcomer to the game of billiards. Even before cue sticks had leather tips, cue chalk was used to increase friction between the ball and wooden cues. Women were not allowed to use cue sticks but had to use maces instead.

Significance

Modern cue chalk composed of silica and corundum was the combined invention of chemist William Hoskins and billiard professional William A. Spinks. The combination of the two substances finally gave Spinks the cue-ball action he wanted.

Fun Fact

Most professional pool players prefer to use tan cue chalk.

Warning

It has been thought that cue chalk causes lead poisoning in children who ate it. Some brands and colors of chalk have been found to contain high enough levels of lead to cause legitimate concern about lead poisoning, while other brands and colors contain only trace amounts of lead.