You’ve got the table, you’ve got the cue, but there is one tiny cube standing between you and a "kick" (a bad contact). In snooker, chalk isn't just "dust"—it’s the friction that allows you to control the white ball.

According to the experts, here is why that little blue cube is your most important accessory.

1. The Science of the "Grip"

Why do we chalk at all? It’s all about friction.

• The cue tip is made of leather, and the cue ball is smooth resin.

• Without chalk, the tip would simply slide off the ball on impact, causing a "miscue" (that horrible clack sound where the ball goes nowhere).

• Chalk creates a rough surface that "bites" into the ball, allowing you to apply screw (backspin), follow (topspin), or side.

2. The Great Debate: Traditional vs. Modern

For decades, everyone used the same dry, dusty chalk. Recently, a revolution has happened.

The Traditional Chalk (e.g., Triangle)

• The Vibe: Dusty, dry, and iconic.

• The Good: It’s cheap, reliable, and provides great grip.

• The Bad: It creates "chalk dust" everywhere. This dust gets on the balls, causing kicks (where the balls bounce or deviate unexpectedly) and stains the green cloth.

The Modern Game-Changer: Taom Chalk

If you watch professional snooker today, you’ll notice almost every pro uses Taom (the round, colorful chalk).

• No Mess: It is engineered to be virtually "dust-free."

• Say Goodbye to Kicks: Because it doesn't leave residue on the balls, "kicks" are almost entirely eliminated.

• Durability: It lasts much longer on the tip, meaning you don't have to chalk before every single shot.

3. How to Choose Your "Color"

You’ll notice Taom and other brands come in different colors (Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue).

• Match the Cloth: Most snooker players use Green or Light Blue.

• Pro Tip: Using dark blue chalk on a light green table will leave visible marks that are hard to brush off. Always try to match your chalk to the color of the baize!

4. The Proper Chalking Technique

Believe it or not, there is a "wrong" way to chalk your cue.

• ❌ The "Drill": Don't put the tip in the center and twist. This creates a hole in the chalk and misses the edges of your tip.

• ✅ The "Paint": Tilt the chalk and brush it across the tip in a sweeping motion while rotating the cue. You want an even, thin layer covering the entire leather surface, especially the edges.

5. Why Taom is the "Top Pick"

The Snooker247 guide highlights Taom as the gold standard for three reasons:

1. Consistency: The contact feels the same every time.

2. Cleanliness: It keeps your hands, the balls, and the table spotless.

3. The Professional Choice: When the world’s top players like Judd Trump and Mark Selby swear by it, you know it’s doing something right.

Summary Checklist:

• Casual Player: Traditional square chalk is fine, just remember to brush the table!

• Serious Improver: Invest in Taom V10 (Green) to stop "kicks" and keep the balls clean.

• Technique: "Paint" the tip, don't "drill" the chalk.