Chalks

Billiard chalk costs a few euros and decides whether the tip grips the ball on a spin shot. Without chalk a side hit makes the tip slide off — the classic miscue, which ruins the shot and can scratch the ball.

Master and Silver Cup are the classics: cheap and grippy, but dusty and hard on the cloth. Kamui (1.21 and Roku in particular) grips far better and dusts less, though it costs several times more. Taom is practically dust-free and the standard in tournament snooker. Colour is matched to the cloth — green and blue are the most common, so marks on green cloth stay invisible. Apply chalk lightly, turning the cue rather than drilling it into the tip. The same section holds chalk holders and pouches. See also tips, care and the whole billiard accessories section.