From the source rules
Who goes first in Old Maid?
Bicycle Cards rules, standard 52-card pack (English)
Any player deals. The player on the dealer’s left goes first by drawing a card from the dealer’s hand.
Source & edition
- Old Maid — How to PlayBicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) · "The Deal" and "The Play" sections · Checked 2026-10-01
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
Rule details
Before play, everyone discards the pairs in their hand.
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
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Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.