From the source rules
Who goes first in Spades?
Bicycle Cards rules, standard 52-card pack (English)
The first dealer is chosen by a draw for high card. The player on the dealer’s left starts the bidding and makes the opening lead.
Source & edition
- Spades — How to PlayBicycle Cards (The United States Playing Card Company) · "The Deal", "The Bidding" and "The Play" sections · Checked 2026-10-01
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
Rule details
The deal then passes clockwise each 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
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
- EuchrePlayers draw cards; the lowest card deals first. The player to the dealer’s left decides on trump first and makes the opening lead. If that player’s partner is playing alone, the player across from the dealer leads.
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- Old MaidAny player deals. The player on the dealer’s left goes first by drawing a card from the dealer’s hand.
Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.