I was just wondering, why exactly do people use the chalk on the pool stick when playing? What is its actual purpose?

So that the cue tip does not glance off the ball. When you hit the cue ball, you want to impart a certain spin, to position it for your next shot, to slow it down quickly so it doesn't keep rolling and drop into a pocket. To put spin on the ball (also known as putting a little "English" on it), you need the cue tip to strike the cue ball off center. The chalk helps impart friction, meaning the cue tip doesn't just slide off the cue ball and mess up your shot.

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