From the source rules

Who goes first in Gin Rummy?

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

Each player takes a card from the spread deck; the higher card chooses a seat and deals. The player who did not deal starts. In later games, the winner of the previous game deals.

Source & edition

Gin Rummy — How to PlayBicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) · "The Deal" section · Checked 2026-10-01

All 16 Bicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) starting rules

Rule details

The non-dealer may first take the upturned card or pass; if they pass, the dealer gets that choice before the non-dealer draws from the stock.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/gin-rummy-bicycle-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Gin Rummy?</strong> Each player takes a card from the spread deck; the higher card chooses a seat and deals. The player who did not deal starts. In later games, the winner of the previous game deals.</p>
  <p>— <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/gin-rummy-bicycle-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Bicycle Cards rules, standard 52-card pack (English))</p>
</blockquote>

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