From the source rules

Who goes first in Concentration?

Bicycle Cards rules, standard 52-card pack (English)

The first player may be decided in any way.

Source & edition

Concentration — How to PlayBicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) · "The Play" · Checked 2026-10-01

All 38 Bicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) starting rules

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/concentration-bicycle-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Concentration?</strong> The first player may be decided in any way.</p>
  <p>— <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/concentration-bicycle-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Bicycle Cards rules, standard 52-card pack (English))</p>
</blockquote>

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