From the source rules
Who goes first in Rummy?
Bicycle Cards rules, standard 52-card pack (English)
Play begins with the player to the left of the dealer. With two players, the winner of each hand deals the next; with more, the deal passes to the left.
Source & edition
- Rummy (Rum) — How to PlayBicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) · "The Deal" and "The Play" sections · Checked 2026-10-01
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
Game night gear
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
- Rack-OCut for the deal; the low card deals first. Play begins with the player to the left of the dealer.
- Five CrownsThe player to the dealer’s left goes first, and play continues clockwise. After each round, the player to the dealer’s left deals next.
- Old MaidAny player deals. The player on the dealer’s left goes first by drawing a card from the dealer’s hand.
- Go FishDeal one card face up to each player; the lowest card deals. The player to the left of the dealer goes first.
- Sleeping QueensThe player to the left of the dealer goes first, and play continues clockwise.
Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.