What are general bar rules when playing pool at the bar?

Answer 1

In the US, most bars post their "House Rules" which usually are a modified version of the American Poolplayer's Association (APA) Rules. The House Rules typically modify ball-in-hand rules, calling of a shot, and hitting the 8 ball.

The link to the APA Rules is provided in the link below -

Some examples of difference by House Rules are: APA Rules require calling the pocket, but not the entire shot - House Rules often require calling combinations, caroms, and banks. APA Rules do not consider the 8 ball "neutral", so it cannot be used as the first ball hit - House Rules may allow hitting the 8 ball first in a combination shot. APA rules require that you hit the 8 ball when it is your last object ball on the table, and a ball must hit a rail or be pocketed, or it is a foul - House Rules can call failure to hit the 8 ball loss of game.