Taom chalk has become one of the most talked-about premium cue chalk brands in snooker and pool, and for good reason. Known for its clean application, low residue and strong grip, it has earned a reputation among players who want more consistency and fewer miscues at the table.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Taom chalk is, how the different versions compare, which one is best for snooker or pool, and how to choose the right option for your game. We’ll also cover accessories such as the Taom Chalk Holder and link you to the main Taom chalk collection so you can browse the range.
What Is Taom Chalk?
Taom is a premium cue chalk brand from Finland that has built a strong reputation among snooker and pool players looking for cleaner performance and more reliable contact. It was developed by Finnish innovator Sami Salminen and stands out because it uses a different compound and manufacturing approach from traditional snooker chalk.
Instead of behaving like standard chalk that can leave more dust and transfer more residue, Taom is designed to grip the cue tip in a cleaner, more controlled way. Many players choose it because it can help reduce kicks, bad contacts and miscues, especially when striking the cue ball with more spin. If you want to explore the range, start with the Taom chalk collection.
Taom Chalk Colours Explained
Taom chalk colours are more than just cosmetic. In the Taom range, colour often indicates a different model or formulation, so it’s worth understanding the differences before buying.
If you’re deciding between colours, it helps to think about the table colour, the game you play most often, and whether you prefer a softer or firmer chalking feel.
Taom V10 Chalk
The Taom V10 chalk is one of the best-known models in the range and the version most often associated with snooker players. It is widely appreciated for its clean application, low residue and consistent feel on the cue tip.
For players who want a premium chalk that performs well on the snooker table without creating excess mess, the V10 is a very strong option. Premium Cues stocks the main version here: Taom V10 Cue Chalk, and the blue alternative here: Taom V10 Blue Chalk.
Taom Pyro Chalk
The Taom Pyro chalk is another premium version designed for players who want strong performance and a clean playing experience. It is often described as having a slightly different feel from V10, with some players finding it a touch grippier or more direct on the tip.
This makes Taom Pyro chalk a good option for players who want a premium chalk for both snooker and pool. It is also a strong choice if you want to compare it against V10 and decide which texture suits your game best. You can view it here: Taom Pyro Chalk.
Taom 2.0 Soft & Hard
The Taom Cue Chalk 2.0 range includes softer and harder versions, giving players more choice over feel and application. The soft version is usually preferred by players who like a gentler chalking feel, while the hard version may suit those who prefer a firmer, longer-lasting block.
If you’re new to Taom, the 2.0 range is useful because it gives you a more traditional choice within a premium formula. You can browse the product here: Taom Cue Chalk 2.0.
Taom Gold Chalk
Taom Gold chalk is positioned as a premium option for players who want something a little different within the Taom line-up. It is not the most common choice, but it appeals to players who value a refined feel and premium presentation.
If you’re exploring the range for the first time, Gold is usually better seen as a specialist or premium alternative rather than the default starting point.
Taom Pyro vs V10
If you’re choosing between the two most talked-about models, the Taom Pyro vs V10 comparison is the one most players ask about. Both are premium chalks, but they suit slightly different preferences.
In simple terms, V10 is usually the more natural recommendation for snooker, while Pyro can appeal more to players who want a slightly different response from the tip. If you’re unsure, V10 is often the easiest first buy, but Pyro is well worth considering if you want to compare feel and performance.
Best Taom Chalk for Snooker
For snooker players, Taom snooker chalk is popular because it helps maintain clean contact and gives confidence on delicate pots, spin shots and safety play. The biggest attraction is that it can reduce unwanted residue on the cue tip and cloth, which many players appreciate over longer sessions.
If you’re looking for the best Taom chalk for snooker, most players will choose either V10 or the snooker-specific Taom 2.0 options. The cleaner application and reliable grip make Taom a strong alternative to traditional brands, especially for players who want premium performance rather than basic budget chalk.
Best Taom Chalk for Pool
For pool players, Taom pool chalk offers many of the same benefits, but the right choice depends on how you play and what you want from the chalk. Pool often involves more side spin, power shots and frequent cue-ball movement, so grip and consistency matter even more.
The best Taom chalk for pool is often Pyro or the Taom 2.0 options, depending on whether the player prefers a slightly firmer or softer feel. If you’re looking for a premium upgrade from standard pool chalk, Taom is a popular choice because it can help reduce miscues while keeping the cue ball and cloth cleaner. You can see the broader range in the Taom chalk collection.
Taom vs Other Premium Chalk Brands
Taom is often compared with other high-end cue chalk and billiard chalk brands. Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up in general terms:
If you’re deciding between kamui chalk vs taom, the choice usually comes down to feel and preference. Taom is often favoured by players who want a cleaner table and a more modern premium chalk experience, while classic options still have loyal fans who prefer a traditional texture.
How to Use Taom Chalk Properly
Learning how to use Taom chalk is slightly different from using budget chalk. The main rule is not to over-apply it. Taom is designed to go on cleanly and thinly, so you usually do not need to cake it onto the tip.
A light, even coat is usually enough. Many players find that one or two careful applications is plenty before a frame or practice session. Avoid pressing too hard or grinding it into the tip like older chalk types. If used correctly, Taom can give a smooth and consistent playing experience without unnecessary build-up.
How Long Does Taom Chalk Last?
A common question is how long does Taom chalk last. The answer depends on how often you play, how hard you strike the cue ball, and how much you chalk between shots. In general, Taom is known for lasting well compared with many standard chalks, which helps offset the higher upfront price.
If you play regularly, the cost per session can be very reasonable. That is why many players ask is Taom chalk worth it — and for those who value cleaner play, better consistency and longer life, the answer is often yes. Taom is not the cheapest option, but it is a serious performance upgrade for many users.
Taom Chalk Holders & Accessories
A good taom chalk holder is worth considering because Taom chalk is typically used in a clean, premium way and many players like to keep it protected and easy to access. A magnetic holder can help prevent the chalk from being misplaced during a match or practice session.
For players who want a practical setup, the Taom Chalk Holder is a smart accessory to pair with your chalk. It keeps the chalk close at hand and helps make the overall experience neater and more convenient. If you’re buying chalk for match play, accessories like this are often a worthwhile add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taom chalk?
Taom chalk is a premium cue chalk brand from Finland, designed to offer clean application, strong grip and reduced residue compared with many traditional chalks.
What is Taom chalk made of?
The exact formula is proprietary, but it is a specialist compound developed to provide a cleaner, more controlled contact between tip and cue ball.
How to use Taom chalk?
Apply it lightly and evenly to the cue tip. It is usually not necessary to over-chalk or press hard.
How long does Taom chalk last?
That depends on play frequency and style, but it is generally considered durable and efficient compared with standard chalk.
Is Taom chalk worth it?
For players who want a premium chalk with low residue and strong performance, it is often considered worth the price.
Where is Taom chalk made?
Taom chalk is made in Finland.
What colour Taom chalk is best?
It depends on your game. V10 is a popular snooker choice, while Pyro and 2.0 models may suit different preferences.
Taom chalk soft vs hard — which should I choose?
Choose soft if you like a smoother feel; choose hard if you want a firmer application and preference for a more solid block.
Does Taom chalk reduce kicks?
It is designed to help reduce miscues and unwanted contact by improving clean tip-to-ball interaction.
Final Verdict
If you want the best snooker chalk or a premium best pool chalk option, Taom is one of the strongest names to consider. Taom V10 chalk is the safest all-round recommendation for snooker, Taom Pyro chalk is a strong alternative for players who want to compare feel, and the Taom 2.0 range gives you useful soft and hard options.
For players who want to browse the full range, start with the Taom chalk collection, then explore the individual products such as Taom V10 Cue Chalk, Taom Pyro Chalk and Taom Cue Chalk 2.0. If you want the neatest setup, pair it with the Taom Chalk Holder.
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september 29, 2026
Heyball is one of the fastest-growing games in cue sports, and British players are winning it. England's Gareth Potts and Kelly Fisher took the WPA Heyball World Championship titles in 2025 and defended both in 2026. Yet most UK players have still never played it.
If you play English pool, American pool or snooker, you already know half the game. Heyball uses American balls on a table built like a snooker table, with rules close to eight ball. That mix is exactly why it is so hard. This guide explains what heyball is, how it differs from the games you know, and what equipment you need to try it.
Where the name comes from
Heyball and Chinese 8-ball are the same game. In China it is known as "black eight", and hei is the Chinese word for black. Heyball is the anglicised name that organisers and Joy, the table maker behind the biggest events, now use internationally.
The game grew up in China through the 1980s and 1990s, when snooker was the country's main cue sport and eight ball was catching on. Players ended up with a hybrid: pool balls and pool rules on snooker-style tables.
Heyball, English pool and American pool compared
The short version: American balls, snooker-style table and pockets. The official playing surface is 2540mm by 1260mm, the same area as an American 9ft table.
Why heyball is so hard
The difficulty comes from the combination. A 57.2mm ball is the big American size, and a rounded pocket is far less forgiving than the straight-cut jaws of an American table. Balls that would rattle in on an American table stay out on a heyball table.
Napped cloth adds a second problem. As in snooker, the nap affects how slower balls roll, so pace control matters more than on the fast cloth of an American table. Many snooker players find the game more natural than pool players do for this reason. Many pool players find the ball size and the eight ball rules more natural. Nobody gets it all for free.
The rules in brief
Heyball rules are set by the organiser of each event, and the International Heyball Pool Association (IHPA), part of the World Pool Association, runs the world championship. The details below follow the widely used Rules of Chinese Pool (revised 2017, updated 2019). Tournament versions can differ, so check the rules for any event you enter.
Groups. Fifteen numbered balls. One player takes the solids (1 to 7), the other takes the stripes (9 to 15). Clear your group, then pot the 8 to win the frame.
The rack. The front ball goes on the foot spot, the 8 goes in the centre of the triangle, and the two back corners take one solid and one stripe.
The break. The break must be powerful. The rules count how many times balls cross the head string, with a pot counting towards the total. Men need four crossings, and women and players under 14 need three. A break that drives fewer than four balls to a cushion counts as a deliberate soft break and loses the frame.
Potting the 8 on the break. This is not a foul. The breaker chooses whether to re-spot the 8 and carry on, or break again.
Fouls. The opponent gets the cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
Calling shots. Not required under these rules, including on the 8. Flukes count.
Top events play long matches. The opening stage of the 2026 Joy Cup Masters Grand Finals was played as races to 13 frames.
The big events and the British success story
Two events stand out.
The Joy Cup World Heyball Masters Grand Finals in Qinhuangdao, China, is among the richest events in cue sports. In 2026 the winner's prize was 5,000,000 yuan, roughly $724,000 at the time.
The WPA Heyball World Championship is where British players have done best. Gareth Potts won the men's title in 2025 and retained it in Pune, India, in 2026, beating Wales's Jordan Shepherd 7-4 in the final. Kelly Fisher won the women's title in both years, taking the 2026 final against Thailand's Waratthanun Sukritthanes in a shootout. Further back, Darren Appleton won the 2015 Chinese 8-ball world title, beating Mark Selby in the final.
The WPA also points out that heyball is the only discipline in which men and women compete at the highest professional level.
The cue: closer to snooker than pool
A heyball cue looks like a snooker cue. It has a slim, tapered wooden shaft, usually ash or maple, a spliced butt and a brass joint, and it is often three-quarter jointed. The difference is at the business end. A 57.2mm ball needs a bigger tip than a 52.5mm snooker ball, so heyball cues carry a larger tip and a slightly thicker taper, and they tend to be heavier.
Our own heyball cues are built this way. They come with a hand-spliced ebony butt, a choice of ash or maple shaft, a titanium ferrule and a fitted Elkmaster cue tip. The tip is sized between 10.5mm and 11.5mm, against the 9mm to 10mm typical of a snooker cue.
Can you use a snooker cue? For a first game, yes. Plenty of snooker players try heyball with their own cue before deciding whether to take it further. The smaller tip is the reason dedicated cues exist, and most players who stick with the game move to one.
Ferrules. Our heyball cues use a titanium ferrule rather than brass, to reduce deflection when you use side. If your current cue has a brass ferrule, a titanium ferrule can be fitted by a cue repairer.
Reach. A 9ft table is a lot longer than a 7ft English pool table. Our heyball cues have a brass extension joint in the butt, and our cue extensions screw in for long shots.
Balls for practice
Heyball uses standard 57.2mm American pool balls. The official specification is 57.15mm, within half a tenth of a millimetre, and 156g to 170g. Any quality American set suits practice at home or at a club. Our American pool balls include Aramith sets and the DynaSpheres 572 range, all at 57.2mm.
Remember that an English pool triangle will not take American-sized balls. You need a full-size American triangle to rack them.
A glove is worth trying
Plenty of heyball and pool players wear a glove on the bridge hand. On a big table with unforgiving pockets, a smooth, consistent bridge matters, and a glove stops the cue catching on a dry or sweaty hand. Our billiard gloves come in left and right-handed versions.
In short
Heyball is eight ball played with American balls on a snooker-style table. The rules will feel familiar and the pockets will not. If you play snooker, your cue action carries straight across. If you play pool, you already know how the game flows. Either way, it is the most interesting thing happening in cue sports right now, and British players are leading the way.
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september 29, 2026
Every frame starts with the rack. Get it right and the break spreads properly, the game plays as it should and nobody argues. Get it wrong and you either get a dead break that barely moves the pack, or a disagreement two shots in about whether the black was in the right place.
The confusing part is that "pool" means different things depending on which table you are standing at. English pool, American pool, nine ball and snooker all rack differently, and the rule for one will mislead you on another. This guide covers all four, starting with the one most UK players need.
A good triangle matters more than people expect. A loose or worn one leaves gaps between the balls, and gaps are the most common reason a break goes nowhere. Our pool and snooker table triangles are the same Sheffield-made racks used at English pool tournaments.
English pool: reds and yellows
This is the game on pub tables, in leagues and in most UK clubs. It uses fifteen unnumbered balls: seven reds, seven yellows and one black. There are no solids and no stripes.
The black goes in the middle of the pack, sitting on the black spot. It sits in the centre of the third row of the triangle, and the triangle is positioned so that ball lands on the spot. It never goes at the front. This single point causes more racking arguments than everything else combined, usually because someone has picked the game up from American pool.
The black spot is at the opposite end of the table from the baulk line. It sits where two imaginary diagonal lines would cross, each drawn from a middle pocket to the top corner pocket on the opposite side of the table.
The rack pattern
The reds and yellows are not placed at random. The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Blackball rules set a fixed pattern, row by row from the front ball back:
The reds and yellows can be swapped over, as long as the shape of the pattern stays the same. Notice that the two back corners are always different colours, and that neither colour is bunched on one side. That is the whole point of a set pattern: nobody gets an easier spread off the break because of how the balls were racked.
If your league plays International Rules, set by the International Eightball Pool Federation (the WEPF until it rebranded in 2024), use the diagram in its rulebook. The principle is the same: black on the spot and a fixed spread of colours.
Setting up, step by step
Placing the black on the same spot frame after frame wears the cloth there first. Our English pool rack, the Pro Racker, has an alignment slot designed to reduce that wear around the black spot.
Ball sizes for English pool
English pool object balls come in two sizes: 2 inches (51mm) and 2 and one sixteenth inches (52mm), which is close to snooker size. The cue ball is often slightly smaller, typically 1 and seven eighths inches (47.6mm) on a 2 inch set. That difference is deliberate. It lets coin-operated pub tables separate the cue ball from the object balls and return it after a pot.
Check which size your table and triangle are built for before buying. Most English pool triangles, including ours, are made for 2 inch sets. Our pool balls are listed by diameter for exactly this reason.
American pool: solids and stripes
American eight ball uses fifteen numbered balls at 2 and a quarter inches (57.2mm). Balls 1 to 7 are solids, 9 to 15 are stripes and the 8 is black.
Here the rule flips. The front ball of the triangle goes on the foot spot, not the 8.
Our American pool balls are the full 57.2mm size. They will not fit an English pool triangle, so the two are not interchangeable.
Nine ball
Nine ball uses a diamond-shaped rack rather than a triangle, and only the balls numbered 1 to 9.
Nine ball is played on American tables with American-sized balls. If you are watching professional pool on television and the players are potting in number order, this is the game.
Snooker
Snooker uses twenty two balls: fifteen reds, six colours and a cue ball, all at 52.5mm. The reds go in a triangle and each colour has its own marked spot.
The reds
Rack the fifteen reds in a triangle at the top end of the table, with the back row parallel to the top cushion. The front red should sit as close to the pink as possible without touching it. As with pool, the pack needs to be tight.
The colours and their spots
Standing at the baulk end and looking up the table, the three baulk colours run left to right: green, brown, yellow. The old way to remember it is "God Bless You".
The order you pot them in
While reds remain, each red is followed by a colour of your choice, and that colour goes back on its spot. Once the last red and its colour are gone, the colours are potted in value order and stay down: yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black.
Full-size snooker balls are 52.5mm. On a smaller home table you may be using undersized balls, and the spot positions scale with the table rather than staying at the measurements above.
Five things that go wrong
A loose pack. The most common fault by far. If the balls are not touching, the energy from the break disappears into the gaps instead of spreading the pack. Push the balls together from the back before lifting the triangle.
Dragging the triangle off. Lift it straight up. Dragging it pulls the front balls out of position and loosens everything behind them.
Racking English pool like American pool. The black at the front instead of in the middle on the spot. It happens constantly.
Ignoring the pattern. Bunching all the reds on one side gives whoever ends up on reds a much easier table after the break.
A worn or warped triangle. Wooden triangles distort over time and cheap plastic ones develop play at the corners. If you cannot get a tight pack however you push the balls, the triangle is usually the problem rather than your technique.
Keeping the table fit to rack on
Chalk dust and grime build up around the spots faster than anywhere else on the table, because that is where the balls sit between frames. Cloth that has gone shiny or greasy under the pack stops the balls sitting tight and changes how the pack spreads.
Brushing the table along the nap after each session takes less than a minute. Our billiard table brushes are made for the job, and a brush costs far less than a re-cloth.
If you are practising alone rather than playing frames, snooker training balls with marked spots show exactly what the cue ball is doing, which a plain white will not.
In short
If you remember one thing, make it this: English pool puts the black on the spot in the middle of the pack, and American pool puts the front ball on the spot. Everything else comes down to the right pattern, a tight pack and a clean lift.
For anyone kitting out a table from scratch, our DynaSpheres cue sports balls include the official balls of the World Nineball Tour, and the snooker sets are graded by how closely the balls match each other in weight. That consistency shows most clearly in exactly the moment this guide is about: how a tight pack behaves when you hit it.
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august 04, 2026
We design a lot of what we sell, and the case we are proudest of has just landed. The Premium Cues Stellar Professional is our own aluminium hard case, designed to our exact specifications and made for players who will not compromise on protecting their cue. It arrives in both one-piece and 3/4 jointed formats, so whatever you play with, there is a Stellar to match.
This is the case we now reach for first when someone asks us what we would carry ourselves.
Our case, our name on it
Plenty of shops sell cases. Fewer put their own name on the front and stand behind it. The Stellar is a Premium Cues design from the ground up. Read More...
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