If you’ve spent any time around a snooker table, you’ve probably heard the debate. It’s a discussion that has divided club players, sparked controversy at the World Snooker Championship, and even seen world champions publicly argue about it.
Snooker Chalk Free Delivery UK
We’re talking, of course, about snooker chalk.
For decades, the choice was simple. You picked up a cube of Triangle, chalked your cue, and got on with it. But in recent years, a challenger has emerged that has revolutionised the game. Taom chalk has become the preferred choice of nearly every top professional on the World Snooker Tour -1-12.
So, which is better? Taom or Triangle? And why does it even matter?
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, the science, the controversy, and help you decide which chalk is right for your game.
What Does Snooker Chalk Actually Do?
Before we dive into the brands, let’s cover the basics. Snooker chalk increases friction between the cue tip and the cue ball -7. This grip is essential for:
- Applying spin (English) to the cue ball
- Controlling the direction and speed of your shots
- Preventing miscues (when the tip slips off the ball)
Without chalk, your cue tip would slide straight off the cue ball, making any kind of controlled shot impossible. But not all chalk is created equal, and the difference in performance can be night and day.
The Two Contenders
🟢 Taom Chalk: The Modern Revolution
Taom is a Finnish brand that burst onto the scene in 2017 with a bold claim: it could virtually eliminate kicks from the game -1-6.
What is a “kick”?
A kick occurs when chalk residue gets between the cue ball and the object ball as they make contact. This causes excess friction, sending the balls off their intended path. For a professional player, a kick is a nightmare—a shot missed through no fault of their own -1.
Key Benefits of Taom:
- Cleaner Game: Taom uses a formula with no fillers or additives, leaving little-to-no residue on the balls or cloth -1-6.
- Reduced Kicks: By keeping the balls clean, Taom drastically reduces those unpredictable, game-changing bounces -1-4.
- Superior Grip: The finer chalk provides exceptional grip, reducing miscues and giving players confidence to play powerful screw shots -1.
- Lasts Longer: Many players report that a single cube of Taom can last significantly longer than traditional chalk -4-5.
- Pro Endorsement: Taom is now the official chalk partner for the World Snooker Tour and the UK Championship -1. 2005 World Champion Shaun Murphy has called it “the best thing that has happened to this sport” -1, and Stephen Hendry—once a sceptic—now calls it a “game changer” -1.
The Drawback:
- Cost: Taom is significantly more expensive. A single piece typically costs around £15, compared to just 20p for a piece of Triangle -3-13.
🔺 Triangle Chalk: The Traditional Champion
Triangle is the old guard. It has been the chalk of choice for snooker legends for decades, and it’s the brand that 7-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan still uses to this day -1-3.
Key Benefits of Triangle:
- Proven Legacy: It’s the chalk that built the sport. Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, and Luca Brecel have all used Triangle to win world titles -1-3.
- Cost-Effective: It is extremely affordable, making it the go-to choice for club players and beginners who aren’t ready to invest in premium gear -1.
- Ronnie’s Choice: The Rocket is famously loyal to Triangle, calling it “the king of all chalks” -1-3. Asked why he doesn’t use Taom, he simply said: “Because I don’t believe in it” -3.
The Drawbacks:
- Messy: Triangle leaves marks on the cue ball and cloth, which can make the table play “heavy” and lead to more kicks -3-6.
- Controversy: Its use has actually angered other professionals. Neil Robertson has called for Triangle to be banned, saying it “destroys” the game, while John Higgins has labelled it a “nightmare” to play against -1-3-6.
The Controversy: Why Top Pros are Furious About Triangle
The debate exploded during the 2025 World Snooker Championship when Neil Robertson openly criticised Ronnie O’Sullivan’s use of Triangle chalk -3-6.
Robertson, a fan of Taom, argued that the older chalk leaves a mess on the table, affecting the conditions for the next player. He went so far as to suggest it should be banned from the professional circuit -6.
John Higgins echoed the frustration. After a match where he experienced a kick, he blamed the “messy” chalk left by Luca Brecel, another Triangle user, saying: “It’s difficult when you play guys like Ronnie and Luca and they’re using the Triangle chalk. It’s a bit of a nightmare” -3.
Despite the pressure, O’Sullivan remains defiant. “I don’t believe in it,” he said of Taom, sticking with the chalk that has served him for his entire legendary career -3.
Taom vs Triangle: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Taom (V10 / 2.0) | Triangle |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~£15 per cube -13 | ~20p per cube / ~£15 for a box of 12 -3-4 |
| Residue | Minimal to none. Keeps balls and table clean -1 | Leaves marks on balls and cloth -6 |
| Kicks | Drastically reduces kicks -1 | Can contribute to kicks due to residue -3 |
| Grip | Exceptional grip, reduces miscues -1-5 | Reliable grip, good for most shots -1 |
| Longevity | Lasts a long time; multiple months for regular players -5 | Standard wear |
| Pro Users | Shaun Murphy, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins -1-4 | Ronnie O’Sullivan, Luca Brecel -1-3 |
So, Which Snooker Chalk Should You Buy?
The best choice depends on your level and your priorities.
Choose Taom if:
- You are a serious player looking for every possible advantage.
- You want a cleaner game with fewer kicks.
- You are willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance.
- You value longevity and getting more value per cube over time -5.
Choose Triangle if:
- You are a beginner or club player on a budget.
- You prefer tradition and want to use the same chalk as Ronnie O’Sullivan.
- You don’t mind a bit of mess on the table.
- You play in a setting where changing the table conditions isn’t a primary concern.
Final Verdict
While the debate rages on, the evidence is clear. Taom has genuinely improved the game by making it cleaner and more predictable. The reduction in kicks alone is a significant advantage -1-6. However, it comes at a price.
Triangle, on the other hand, remains a perfectly viable option. It proves that a player’s skill is far more important than their equipment. After all, you can’t argue with Ronnie O’Sullivan’s seven world titles.
Our Recommendation: If you can afford it, Taom is an investment that will improve your game. But if you are a casual player or just starting out, Triangle is a fantastic and affordable choice that won’t hold you back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snooker Chalk
Q: Does snooker chalk make a difference?
Yes. Good chalk provides better grip on the cue ball, allowing for more spin and control. Premium chalk like Taom also keeps the table cleaner and reduces kicks -1-5.
Q: Why do snooker players chalk their cue before every shot?
Chalking before every shot ensures maximum grip and prevents miscues. The friction between the tip and the ball is essential for control -7.
Q: Is Taom V10 worth the money?
For serious players, yes. Taom V10 provides superior grip, lasts much longer than standard chalk, and virtually eliminates kicks—which is a game-changer for competitive play -4-13.
Q: Why does Ronnie O’Sullivan use Triangle chalk instead of Taom?
Ronnie O’Sullivan is famously loyal to Triangle, calling it “the king of all chalks.” He has said he simply doesn’t “believe in” the newer Taom technology and prefers to stick with what he knows best