How to Deal Cards
Dealing seems simple until someone asks "which way?" Here are the usual rules.
Direction
- Anticlockwise (to the right): Kerala's 28, 29, 56, Thuruppu 40, Call Break, Court Piece, Mendikot.
- Clockwise (to the left): Spades, Hearts and most Western games.
Who starts
The dealer deals first to the next player in the direction of play, and ends with themselves.
Packets
Many Indian games deal in packets: 4 cards each, bid, then 4 more (28, 29, 304). Court Piece gives 5 first, so the trump caller can choose. Call Break and Spades usually deal one at a time.
Misdeals
A card turned face up, the wrong number of cards, or dealing out of turn usually means a redeal by the same dealer.
Redeal rules
Some games redeal for weak hands: in 28 and 29 if the first bidder has no points; in 40 if the first caller has no point cards.
FAQ
Which direction do you deal in 28?
Anticlockwise, starting with the player on the dealer's right.