The use of the billiards chalk is to decrease the amount of slippage from the tip of the 
cue stick when it strikes the cue ball. According to Wikipedia, the chalk was invented by William A. Spinks. Since he’s the inventor, he might as well be called the “Master” of the cue chalk as well. Or, simply the Master Inventor.
As I play a nice game of pool, I have not really seen much of a difference when the cue ball comes into contact with the cue stick. Maybe I’m just so used to rubbing that little block of chalk on my cue stick that I have never questioned the significance of it.
I just take it for granted that it’s available and not knowing that it can be a game changer.
As I was trying to find other uses of the billiards chalk, I found the picture above, and thought, “Hmm, where have I seen that before?”
That picture above gave me a flashback from years ago when someone was dialing long distances with AT&T where the company could save you money within the United States. I am not sure if you remember the times before cell phones were owned by almost everyone, but making long distance phone calls using a landline were a big deal in the 1990s and early 2000s. Nowadays, people rarely make landline phone calls, and people can make nationwide long distance phone calls using a cell phone without worrying about the price.
Anyhow, that flashback I am referring to was from 1997 where David Arquette was promoting an AT&T ad where he sported a “blue mustache” and tried to help a young woman (she looks familiar, but I don’t remember her name) try to save money by not dialing 0 for the Operator. Instead, he would advise her to call 1-800-CALL-ATT instead. David rubs the chalk on her finger, and that’s got me reminiscing about the YouTube video from the picture below. Ah, the memories!
So, so you have any unusual experiences with the billiards chalk? Please let me know in the comments section as I would like to hear about them and give you feedback. Also, please tell me who the woman is in this video as I have searched Google and YouTube to find who she was to no avail. Thanks.
To your billiards enjoyment,
Armand
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Good site! Very informative Armand!
I play as much as I go out to a bar. So, probably once in a blue moon.
I dated a girl in college who played for the university team.
Her whipping me constantly got me a lot better. Didn’t make it anymore enjoyable for me. But, I was learning.
I felt ou had tons of interesting facts. Almost anyone interested in Pool would be busy for a good segment of their day.
Keep doing what you love!
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Thanks Kelly. I try to put as much interesting facts as I can to make my interest of billiards stand out and give anyone some insight to this fine game. I will continue to add as much top quality content and products to my site as it evolves. After playing so many games with your date, how has your enjoyment of pool been since then? I would like to know.
To your billiards enjoyment,
Armand
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Haha, I remember having to use 1-800-CALL-ATT all the time in my college years whenever I would call my parents. I also remember playing a good amount of pool back then. I didn’t really hold much stock in cue chalk at first. But then, I noticed that from time to time, especially when aiming off center, there would be a load kind of snapping sound as my cue slipped off the ball. Not only did I lose velocity as the ball started rolling, it would also go in a direction I had not anticipated. Since then, I use chalk before every shot.
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Hi Chris. I can relate as it becomes almost 2nd nature to use the chalk every time before I aim my cue stick to hit the cue ball. It makes the game of pool a little more enjoyable to play. On a side note, I have never have to use that phone number to call anyone as I rarely made any phone calls outside of my home area. It’s funny how making long distance phone calls in the USA is almost like an equivalent to making a phone call to a next-door neighbor these days.
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Hi Armand,
Very interesting. I always the chalk was so that you’d have something to do while you planned your next shot.
Love the old commercial. Wasn’t really that long ago, but how much everything’s changed.
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Hello Aline. Yes, the chalk was something to hit the cue ball with precision. I had a smaller version of a pool table that came with cue sticks, balls and a triangle rack, but no chalk. I wondered why, and found out. I looked at the tip of my cue stick and realized that it was made of rubber. So, the chalk wouldn’t be needed. I would still prefer the original cue stick that uses the chalk because it has that “authentic feel” to it.