On Sunday, just before my second chance finals match, I decided to treat myself to a new piece of chalk. That, plus my current piece was in a pretty sad state. Hitting paper is never a good sign.
Now, breaking in a new piece of chalk is a science. It’s pretty unfortunate that chalk comes with the built-in dimple which only encourages people to drill holes into it.
I like to work diagonally, from the inside out. Then, I work the edges flat.
If you’ve ever seen me play, you’ve probably noticed (and even pointed out) my smurf-like rear from keeping my chalk in my back right pocket. I’ve been doing that for about seven years now since I first started playing league and it’s just sort of stuck.
The best trick I’ve discovered since then, however, is the rubber chalk holder. Before I started using the holder, I would wear holes in the butt of all my pants faster than I could patch them up. Another little secret I learned from a former teammate is to use quarters at the bottom of the holder to push the chalk up higher and higher as you wear it down. You just peel away the paper and voila! This allows you to really get the most out of your chalk.
Now, back in the “chalk is free” days, I didn’t really care about that since it’s tough enough trying to get that danged piece of chalk out of there. But ever since Mike turned me onto the Longoni Blue Diamond 4-bucks-a-pop-if-you’re-lucky chalk, I’ve been a little more conscious of my chalk use. I admit, I initially found $8 for a two-pack of pool chalk highly unnecessary and a bit pretentious, but man! That stuff is like a drug!
So, my last piece of chalk lasted me about three months. I know this because being the pool nerd that I am, I date the bottom of my chalk when I break it in and retire it.
It sounds silly, but that way I know how much chalk I go through and I can see how much or little I’ve been practicing since it’s the only piece of chalk that I use. This last piece was started on June 27 and put down to rest on September 28.
>>>You’ve probably noticed (and even pointed out) my smurf-like rear…
Although I have noticed your rear, I would classifiy it as cute, well-shaped, etc, but I’m unsure of its smurfiness (what does smurf-like mean, anyway?). In any case, I have learned, and re-learned many times, usually with a good smack upside my head, that it is not always a good move to point out a woman’s rear. It seems that they can do it, but guys can’t. What’s up with that?
I have been playing pool for 10 years and I have never seen anyone who is female that plays pool as well, who is also as beautiful as you. I have seen your picture and articles in Professor Q-Balls a few times. I would love to meet you and play pool with you sometime. If you are ever in the Raleigh, NC area please stop by Brown’s Billiards or call me. This place is like my second home and I am sure you will enjoy the people and environment.
Lot of great information on the site.
To your success,
Juan