How to Chalk a Pool Cue the Right Way (and How Often)
Chalk is what lets your tip grip the cue ball for draw, follow and English. Most miscues come from bad chalking, not bad strokes. Here's how to do it right.
How to chalk
- Hold the cue steady and bring the chalk to the tip, not the tip to the chalk.
- Brush the chalk across the tip in short strokes, turning the cue a little as you go, like painting.
- Check the tip: it should have an even, thin coat with no bare spots, especially near the edges.
Don't grind. Twisting the chalk on the tip like a drill digs a hole in the chalk cube, leaves the edges of the tip bare and causes miscues.
How often to chalk
Chalk before every shot that uses spin, and at least every other shot. Many good players chalk before every shot out of habit. It takes two seconds and prevents the miscue that costs you a game.
Regular vs. premium chalk
- Regular chalk (the cubes in every pool room) works fine for most players.
- Premium chalk from brands like Kamui, Taom and Predator 1080 is made to hold better and make less mess. Many players find they miscue less and chalk less often with it.
Try a premium chalk if you play a lot, and keep a magnetic chalk holder on your belt so it's always with you.
Keep chalk off the table and your hands
- Set chalk on the rail with the chalk side up, so it doesn't rub off on the cloth.
- Don't chalk over the table; chalk dust wears out cloth. See how to clean a pool table.
- Wipe chalk off your bridge hand, or wear a pool glove.
When chalk isn't enough
If your tip is shiny and hard, chalk won't stick. Scuff it lightly with a tip tool, or replace it. See our guide to pool cue tips.