The following steps must be performed before each game begins:
1. Players may exchange cards in their decks for cards in their sideboards (only after the first or subsequent game of the match and not for games that are restarted).
2. Players shuffle their decks. Steps 1 and 2 may be repeated.
3. Players present their decks to their opponents for additional shuffling. The sideboard (if any) is also presented at this time.
4. After the first or subsequent game of the match, the relevant player must decide whether to play first or second at this point, if he or she hasn't done so already. If that player doesn't choose before looking at the cards in his or her hand, then he or she is considered to have chosen to play first.
5. Players shuffle their opponents’ decks.
6. Each player draws seven cards. Optionally, these cards may be dealt face down on the table.
7. Each player, in turn order, decides whether to mulligan. (Rules on mulligans can be found in the Magic Comprehensive rules, Section 103.4)
Players may not use more than three minutes to perform steps 1 through 3. Steps 4 through 7 must be performed in a timely manner.