In large poolrooms, talcum often appears in a solid conical form, wrapped around a wood peg, in the same shape that gyro beef goes onto a horizontal spit for cooking.
Cue sticks become sticky from use, and talcum can help beginners when the microscopic pores on the wood stick become clogged from perspired oils and dirt. Players who want smooth hands to rub the cue along pour or rub talcum or baby powder (an excellent and inexpensive alternative) on their bridge hand before starting play.
The intermediate will not need talcum after their skills improve and they are comfortable stroking the cuestick. Most players above even a novice’s level don’t use talcum or baby powder at all.
Talcum or baby powder can be convenient to have at home for a guest’s use or to dry hands soaked from excessive perspiration. The powder, however, which becomes strewn everywhere, can become quite messy and mar the color of the felt in your home besides adding much throw to the balls.
Owning a personal cue (kept free from others’ perspiration) and keeping it clean or well varnished can also help. If you still have difficulty, try using one of the “rosin bags” instead that bowlers use for slippery and slick hands!
