How to Chalk a Billiard Cue

By applying science to your bag of tricks while playing pool, you're giving yourself an advantage. When adding chalk to your billiard cue, you reduce friction. When you aim for the cue ball, you have a better striking point to create a better shot or add English. Follow the steps to learn how to chalk a billiard cue and have a greater chance of winning your pool game.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A billiard cue
• Billiard cue chalk

1. Hold your billiard cue vertical with the tip pointing up.

2. Grab the chalk cube in one hand while holding the cue in the other.

3. Apply the chalk gently to the tip of your billiard cue. If you hear a squeaky noise when you spread the chalk, then you are chalking the cue correctly.

4. Place the chalk cube back where it belongs. The chalk just added to your cue's tip can help the tip adhere to the cue ball, allowing for added spin and English. You're now ready for your pool shot. See our Resources section to learn more about adding English.

5. Paint the chalk on your cue after every billiard shot. Chalk protects a cue's tip and helps you play your best by helping the tip adhere to the cue ball for added spin and improved impact.

6. Dispose of hollowed out chalk cubes since the cube's sides can scrape and damage the stick.

Tips & Warnings

• Never blow on the billiard tip if you've applied too much chalk. This adds moisture to the tip of the stick, which reduces friction. To remove excess chalk, gently tap the butt of the stick on the ground and be careful not to damage the shaft of the stick.
• Don't use cue chalk instead of talcum powder for your hands. The chalk irritates the skin and causes small blisters.
• Avoid grinding the billiard cue into the chalk cube as this can damage the tip of the cue.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Cue ball English 101