About 11 years ago, a purchased a carton (25 boxes - 50 pieces) of Blue Diamond Chalk on eBay for under $90.
I’ll never have to buy chalk again and I still have 8 boxes (16 pieces) remaining. Along the way, I acquired boxes
of premium grade chalks but always returned to using BD. It plays clean and since I chalk lightly every shot, it
plays just as well as chalk costing $20-$25 a cube. I just can’t see paying that much for any chalk when there
are so many other alternative brands. Sure BD also costs more than say Masters but it’s a lot more reasonably
priced than the brands being highly touted. When a single piece of chalk costs as much, or even more, as you
spend for a tip and your cue’s tip is way more important than any chalk brand you use, something seems wacky.
Nonetheless, as long as you don’t lose your premium chalk & chalk properly, then buying a couple pieces a year
of Taom or some other brand seems reasonable because if that makes you happier, then it’s all that really matters.