From the source rules

Who goes first in Pinochle?

Bicycle Cards rules, two-hand Pinochle (48-card pinochle deck) · English

In two-hand Pinochle, the non-dealer leads the first trick. After that, the winner of each trick leads.

Source & edition

Pinochle — 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

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/pinochle-bicycle-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Pinochle?</strong> In two-hand Pinochle, the non-dealer leads the first trick. After that, the winner of each trick leads.</p>
  <p>— <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/pinochle-bicycle-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Bicycle Cards rules, two-hand Pinochle (48-card pinochle deck))</p>
</blockquote>

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