Chalking Up
Think about all that chalk you're using (and you should be chalking up before every shot). There's not a lot you can do about the dust that all that chalk use can cause, but there are ways to keep it contained.
It is very poor etiquette to leave the chalk upside down on the rail of the table after you chalk up. Too much chalk on the rail can damage the finish on the table, but most of all chalk can stain someone's clothing. Remember, everyone is leaning over the table rail to make a shot. If you leave a trail of chalk on the rail, you may also leave a trail of chalk on other players. If you do this by accident, it might be a nice gesture to offer to pay the cleaning bill.
People often use talcum powder to keep their hands smooth and free of perspiration. The talcum powder helps the cue stick glide evenly along your hand but it can also cause a major mess. When you use talcum powder, be very careful not to get it on the cloth or on the floor. In other words, use it sparingly.
Essential
Always chalk up before a shot and not after a shot, especially if you are using shared chalk. Remember, most people chalk up before and not after, so if you chalk up after, your opponent will have to wait for you to finish. And if you're using shared chalk, don't take it away from the table; leave it by the table so it is accessible to other players. Many people bring their own chalk — in this case you can keep it with you.
