How is the game started?
The game begins with a "lag" to determine who breaks first. Each player strikes a cue ball from behind the head string to the foot cushion; the closest ball to the head cushion wins the lag and chooses who breaks.

What makes a legal break?
- The cue ball must start behind the head string.

- No ball needs to be called on the break.

- To be legal, at least one object ball must be pocketed, or at least four object balls must hit a rail.

- If the 8 ball is pocketed on the break, it is either re-spotted or the balls are re-racked, depending on player choice. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8 ball, the opponent may re-break or accept the table with the 8 ball re-spotted.

How are groups (solids or stripes) assigned?
After the break, the table is "open" until a player legally pockets a called shot. The group (solids or stripes) is assigned based on the first legally pocketed called shot after the break.

What is a called shot?
Players must call both the object ball and the intended pocket for each shot. If a ball is pocketed in an unintended pocket or by accident, the turn ends, and the incoming player takes over.

What are common fouls in 8 Ball Pool?
- Failing to hit your own group first (after groups are assigned).

- No ball contacts a cushion after the cue ball hits an object ball.

- Cue ball is pocketed (scratch) or jumps off the table.

- Hitting the 8 ball first when it is not your legal object ball.

- Double hitting the cue ball or pushing it.

- Playing out of turn.

- Accidentally moving balls with hand, cue, or clothing

What happens after a foul?
The opponent receives "ball-in-hand," allowing them to place the cue ball anywhere on the table for their next shot.

What if the 8 ball is pocketed on the break?
If the 8 ball is pocketed on a legal break, the breaker may choose to re-spot the 8 ball and continue or re-break.

If the breaker also scratches, the incoming player can re-break or accept the table with the 8 ball re-spotted

What if a ball jumps off the table?
- If an object ball (other than the 8-ball) jumps off the table, it is considered pocketed and not returned.

- If the 8-ball jumps off the table, it is a loss of game.

What if the cue ball is pocketed on the break?
- It is considered a foul.

- All balls legally pocketed on the break remain pocketed except the 8-ball, which is re-spotted if pocketed on the break foul.

- The table remains "open," meaning no group (solids or stripes) is assigned yet.

- The incoming player receives cue ball in hand behind the head string (kitchen) and must shoot the cue ball past the head string before contacting any object ball behind it. In other words, he must shoot forward and not backward; towards foot string and side pockets.

- The incoming player may then choose to accept the table as it lies or request a re-rack and break again.