I clean rails at least once a day at the pool hall. I don't have a kitten if somebody else puts chalk face down though. As already mentioned perhaps the GOAT puts the chalk face down, deliberately. Has for a lifetime. I sometimes wonder if it is tongue in cheek towards all the people making a big deal out of face up. It certainly hasn't hurt his play!
Look at typical street play from the Philippines. A quarter cup or more of powder on one rail, chalk turned every which way, third parties jumping in to mark ball locations, hollering and whistling, bets shouted back and forth across the table while somebody is shooting, the list never ends. Doesn't keep the Philippines from turning out monsters, I think encourages it.
I think the US players being hothouse players that expect everything perfect and exactly the same as everywhere else they play has hurt their competitiveness worldwide. It doesn't take a Diamond in perfect climate control to play competitive pool. However, people who panic when conditions aren't exactly what they expect hurt their own chances and improve everyone else's.
I am a hothouse player just like most US players now. I expect conditions exactly to my taste. I have been this way for years. I think it is a serious handicap if I step into a ratty old place or just one with conditions I am not used to. I think playing in all conditions makes a more rounded player.
Hu
