Before a cribbage game begins, players must decide who deals first. This is done by cutting the deck, a simple but official rule that determines the dealer for the opening hand.
This page explains how cutting for deal works in cribbage, including how ties are resolved and how the deal continues in later hands.
For a full game walkthrough, start here:
What Does “Cutting for Deal” Mean?
Cutting for deal means:
- Each player cuts the deck
- The player who reveals the lowest card becomes the dealer
This process is used only to determine the first dealer of the game.
How to Cut for Deal in Cribbage
Follow these steps:
- Shuffle the deck
- One player offers the deck to the other to cut
- Each player cuts the deck and reveals one card
- The player with the lowest card becomes the dealer
Card Values When Cutting
When cutting for deal:
- Ace is low
- King is high
- Suits do not matter
Only the rank of the card is used to determine the dealer.
What Happens If There’s a Tie?
If both players cut cards of the same rank:
- The cards are returned to the deck
- The deck is reshuffled
- Players cut again
This repeats until the tie is broken.
Who Deals After the First Hand?
Once the first dealer is chosen:
- The deal alternates each hand
- Players take turns being the dealer
Cutting for deal is not repeated after the game begins.
👉 Learn dealing rules: Cribbage Dealing Rules
Why the Dealer Matters
Being the dealer is important because:
- The dealer scores the crib
- The dealer may score his heels if the starter card is a Jack
- Strategy changes depending on dealer status
👉 Learn about the crib: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
Is Cutting for Deal Required?
In casual play, some players skip cutting and choose a dealer randomly.
However, cutting for deal is the official method and is used in tournaments and formal play.
Common Cutting Mistakes
- Forgetting that Ace is low
- Using suits to decide ties
- Re-cutting every hand
👉 Avoid beginner errors: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Quick Summary
- Cutting decides the first dealer only
- Lowest card deals
- Aces are low
- Ties are re-cut
- The deal alternates after each hand
👉 One-page reference: Cribbage Cheat Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you cut for deal every hand?
No. Only before the first hand of the game.
Does suit matter when cutting?
No. Only card rank matters.
What if players skip cutting?
That’s fine for casual play, but not official.
👉 More answers: Cribbage FAQ