Brits and their chalk

do you step back after placing your chalk on the table?

I step into every shot and I have both hands on the cue at that point so yes the chalk is already down before I step into the shot. But I like to chalk while Im thinking the shot over. Its like a calming thing I guess. But none the less, the chalk does not go in my pocket. That would drive me nuts. I find no reason why it cannot be left on the table. I'm picking it up after I shoot anyway.
 
Unconsciously...right... :grin:

I've got tonnes of them at home, but am not a fan of masters. I use Blue Diamond, so you learn to keep hold of it after a while.

I use Blue Diamond on my cues...the house chalk is Masters...my Blue Diamond goes straight into my pocket after each use...after a couple hours of shooting, I turn my pocket inside out and chalk my cue with all the blue that's now on the inside of my pocket so nothing goes to waste...(okay, that last part was a lie...:p).

...What's interesting is that Ike Runnels keeps the chalk in his bridge hand the whole time. He never lets go of it.s

It must be Kamui...I wouldn't let $30 sit on the rail either...;)

My opinion: It should be kept off the table...not only for cleanliness, but I've seen players try to be "sly" and place the chalk to mark the spot on the rail to line up a bank shot...it's always denied, but that is what was happening...

Jason
 
It must be Kamui...I wouldn't let $30 sit on the rail either...;)

My opinion: It should be kept off the table...not only for cleanliness, but I've seen players try to be "sly" and place the chalk to mark the spot on the rail to line up a bank shot...it's always denied, but that is what was happening...

Jason

No, just regular chalk...

And if someone wants to put the chalk on the rail to line up a bank shot... let em. If they cannot bank a ball without marking the rail, they are a fish.
 
No, just regular chalk...

And if someone wants to put the chalk on the rail to line up a bank shot... let em. If they cannot bank a ball without marking the rail, they are a fish.

I was actually kidding about the Kamui...as far as "marking" the point on the rail for the bank shot, I agree with that during "practice", but not in leagues, tournaments, or any money match...

there are 6 rails on a pool table...(i'm assuming u have a billiard table? :/)

Yeah, that's right...put six out to save walking that other three feet...or stretching...:rolleyes:
 
I actually got in the habit of holding the chalk in my bridge hand in college and have never changed. I find it helps me keep my rhythm and no one steals it. :)

I started doing it because I would bring my own "good" chalk into the college pool rooms and other people would walk off with mine. I got tired of supplying so I would just hold it.
 
there are 6 rails on a pool table...(i'm assuming u have a billiard table? :/)

bumper pool!
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its a real bad habit that a lot of the american players do. By doing this you are breaking your pre shot routine and not aligning properly, i take the chalk off the players and the table when i coach them.

unless you put the chalk on the table, then step back and walk into the shot properly, your alignment and sighting is off.

hope this helps - lee

I've been using the snooker style, leather pocket, chalk holder in tournament play but I like what you have to say about the pre-shot routine and not aligning properly. In non-tournament play I have caught myself reaching for chalk and not aligning properly and missing the shot in the process, so I have to agree with you based upon my experience. It takes more effort to get yourself on the correct aim line if you are moving left and right to pick up chalk along with moving your eyes away from the important areas of the table.

I will try to develop a habit of using the chalk holder all of the time.

Thanks for the tip, "coach".
 
its a real bad habit that a lot of the american players do. By doing this you are breaking your pre shot routine and not aligning properly, i take the chalk off the players and the table when i coach them.

unless you put the chalk on the table, then step back and walk into the shot properly, your alignment and sighting is off.

hope this helps - lee

Simple............l too think this is even more important for I, being 6'6'', a smidge off on my approach and I can miss by two inches easily.
 
Hmmm, I'm torn on the subject. Putting chalk in your pocket seems messy to me. I also think chalk holders look goofy. But getting out of line and stepping into the shot have some merit. Playing at home no one will steal my blue diamond...well maybe my dog but he hasn't sh!t blue in months.
 
I've been using the snooker style, leather pocket, chalk holder in tournament play but I like what you have to say about the pre-shot routine and not aligning properly. In non-tournament play I have caught myself reaching for chalk and not aligning properly and missing the shot in the process, so I have to agree with you based upon my experience. It takes more effort to get yourself on the correct aim line if you are moving left and right to pick up chalk along with moving your eyes away from the important areas of the table.

I will try to develop a habit of using the chalk holder all of the time.

Thanks for the tip, "coach".



Hey Joey,

A lot of players dont like using a pouch or chalk holder, as they are so used to not using 1 and placing the chalk on the table.

If your down on the shot, and reach for the chalk or place the chalk down and then just get down on the shot, your greatly increasing your chances off missing the shot, due to bad alignment and set up.

"coach" my new nickname lol
 
One thing I've noticed from all the video's I have watched with British pool/snooker players is that they never seem to put their chalk on the table between shots like Americans do. I've even seen some go as far as having a little leather chalk holster. I understand snooker players have the little pocket in their vest, but when they don't the chalk is put in a pocket. What is the issue with putting your chalk on the rail for the few seconds you're playing your shot?

Edit: Let the records show, I put my chalk on the table when I'm playing a shot, but I take t with me back to my chair when my inning is over.

Chalk pouches are where it's at, my man. I think you're looking at this situation completely the wrong way. The question should be, "Why do Americans leave their chalk on the rails?"

Benefits of keeping chalk in a pocket/pouch:

1. Your chalk is always in the same place.

2. You can easily take out and use your chalk and put it back without taking your eyes off the shot you're about to play, or having to search for it on the rails.

3. The chalk is never on the rail where your hand or body has to be for the next shot, so you don't have to keep shifting it, taking your eyes off the ball in the process, or disrupting your rhythm.

4. You eliminate any possibility of excess chalk on the rails.

It's just more convenient overall. I have played both ways, and though I can get by without the little chalk holster, and with opponents leaving cubes of chalk on multiple rails, it's a minor annoyance that I'll become aware of as soon as I have to shift a piece to play a shot.

Still, some people seem to love having the chalk on the rail for some reason. Chalking away furiously like Fast Eddie Felson and banging the chalk brashly on the rail is a big part of their pre-shot routine. I sometimes slip into this myself when drinks are involved, but in sober mind I can't deny the virtues of the pouch. The only downside is that they look a little funny, and set you apart from the rest of the room, in the eyes of "normal" people, as someone that probably plays too much pool/snooker. Pockets, though, particularly if you're wearing jeans, just don't cut it.

If you can bear the stigma, go with a pouch. If you're already wearing a glove, you might as well complete the set.
 
Obviously you guys are all behind the times. It would seem that you haven't heard about the newest chalk to come out.

It's been out for a few months now. It costs 175 dollars a cube but you just chalk up before you leave home and you don't even have to concern yourself with re-chalking after each shot. In fact, you don't have to re-chalk until the following month.
 
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