rules to play 8 ball pool

If the 8 ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a re rack or have the 8 ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8 ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re rack or having the 8 ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.

Combination shots are allowed; however, the 8 ball can not be used as a first ball in the combination unless it is the shooters only remaining legal object ball on the table. Otherwise, should such contact occur on the 8 ball, it is a foul.

Opposing player gets cue ball in hand. This means that the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table.

A player loses the game by committing any of the following infractions
Fouls when pocketing the 8 ball (exception see 8 Ball Pocketed On The Break).
Pockets the 8 ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.
Jumps the 8 ball off the table at any time.
Pockets the 8 ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
Pockets the 8 ball when it is not the legal object ball.

A shooter must hit a ball that belongs to his group of balls before the 8 ball is struck or a ball in their opponents group is struck (unless the table is open or the 8 ball is the only legal shot). It is legal to have the cue ball make contact with a rail before striking a ball.

Pocketing the cue ball this is called a scratch.The cue ball strikes the 8 ball first (unless it is the only legal shot).The cue ball strikes one of your opponents balls first.The cue ball does not strike a rail or a legal ball.