From the source rules
Who goes first in Nerts?
Bicycle Cards rules (one standard pack per player) · English
Nobody goes first: players play at the same time, as fast as they like, without taking turns.
Source & edition
- Nerts — How to PlayBicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) · "The Play" · Checked 2026-10-01
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
Game night gear
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
- KempsNobody goes first: after “Ready, set, go!” everyone swaps cards with the center at the same time, without turns.
- War (card game)Nobody goes first: both players turn up a card at the same time. Anyone may deal.
Chomp!There is no single starting player: everyone turns over a card at the same time.- Pig (card game)Nobody goes first: everyone looks at their hand, then all players pass one card to the left at the same time.
- Spit!Nobody goes first: when both players are ready, one or both say “Spit!” and each places a card at the same time.
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