1. Before the beginning of a rubber, from a deck of cards spread face down on the table, each player draws one card. Those drawing the two highest cards play with each other, the winner deals first.
2. Before every deal, the dealer’s RHO cuts the deck towards the dealer by dividing it into two portions. The dealer replaces the lower portion on top of the other.
3. In a qualifying session, the cut is the place at which the field divides in determining who goes forward to the next stage. For example, if there is to be a 7-table all-play-all final in a pairs’ event, the cut will be after the 14th place.