5 things you may not know about billiard chalks

When the game starts some rest on the rails of the table and others in the hands or pockets of the player. But they all play a vital role in pool: ensure a perfect grip between the cue (the tip) and the hitting ball (the white ball). Although they stain and leave a mark, they are much loved because without them powerful shots sidespins could not exist. In today's article we highlight some interesting facts about the chalks, the object of which any billiard player never separates –or should separate- from.

1- They were invented in 1897

William A. Spinks and William Hoskins created more than a century ago the concept of modern chalk. Since 1807 they have been used, but being made of calcium carbonate, the traditional blackboard chalk, they produced too much dust that stained the cloth and the balls. The two Williams came up with the formula of a better chalk produced from silica and aloxite that barely gave off dust and also allowed players to apply more english. Spinks Billiard Chalk, as the company was called, is the germ of today chalks.

2- Some of them cost more than 20 euros

Master, Silver Cup, Blue Diamond, Predator, Gold Star, Triangle ... There exist many brands of chalks with qualities, hardnesses and varying prices. Most of them are around 50 cents and 1 euro per unit, but there are others much more expensive. This is the case of the Japanese brand Kamui, which costs just over 20 euros each. The price rockets by being made with a special paste that reduces the risk of miscues and stays much longer in the tip.

3- They are of all colors

We are used to the blue chalk, but as cloths, there are virtually of all colors: grey, black, red, green ... No one has proven that the color of the chalk influences the shot or the game, but it is true that normally the chalk and the cloth are of the same color (usually blue) so that the particles that emerge in each shot stain the carpet as less as possible.

4- Chalk must not be abused

The new chalk brands require less chalk between shots. That is, it is not necessary to apply it before each shot. If you exceed in using the chalk, as some players do because they keep applying it nonstop while thinking the next play, it can be counterproductive because you create an extra layer, a barrier between the tip and the ball, which can lead you to do more miscues.

5- What differentiates a good chalk from a not so good one

A few months ago we published an article on the best chalks in the market that will serve you if you are looking for the perfect chalk. Note also the following criteria that Dr. Dave highlighted in this other article when differentiating top chalks from the common ones: good chalk is the one that barely stains, the one that allows you to hit the cue ball with a lot of english without do miscue, the one remaining after many shots, the one which "paints" well the tip, the one that does not cause kicks and, above all, the one that gives you confidence.

Write in the comments what is your favorite chalk and if you know some other curious fact about this must-have item for any billiard player.