A pool player of intermediate skill is able to sink several easy shots in a row without chalking the tip of their stick. Therefore, they will typically avoid chalking often enough. The show off even demonstrates their skills in sinking a few balls without chalk.
In contrast, the pro chalks their cue often and always. The added time the tip adheres to the cue ball is worth the effort of chalking, the pro achieves added contact time with the ball itself and extra spin and speed, whatever effect they desire. The top professional chalks before each and every shot, the average pool player before every third, fourth of fifth shot, with disastrous results. It's that one shot, the one they aim and sight perfectly that fails anyway, that demonstrates chalk was not building a quality hit between stick and ball.
Don’t believe me? Have a friend keep records of your chalking for three games of pool and see if I'm correct about your game.
Here's a marvelous drill for perfect practice. Hold a cube of your chalk in your bridge hand at all times when practicing pool (yes, it's a little awkward to do at first, but you need this lesson) until you remember the habit of chalking every shot. In 30 minutes or less, this unusual undertaking will break of you the bad habit almost permanently.
Chalking the cue every time is perfect practice indeed. Many pros carry chalk in a holder on their person during play, to make certain their cue's tip never lacks this vital substance.
