The deal sets up everything - get it right from the start
Use a standard 32-card deck (remove 2s through 6s from a regular deck). Shuffle thoroughly.
The player to the dealer's right cuts the deck. This is traditional and helps ensure fairness.
Deal clockwise starting with the player to your left. Traditional dealing is in batches:
The 2 blind cards stay face-down until someone "picks" them up. No one knows what's in the blind.
The blind (also called "the bury" in some regions) is central to Sheepshead:
After each hand, the deal passes clockwise to the next player.
Why this matters:
3-2-3 deal: 3 cards, blind, 3 cards (most common)
2-2-2 deal: 2 cards, blind, 2 cards, 2 cards (some regions)
All at once: 6 cards to each player, then blind (casual play)
The method doesn't affect gameplay - use whatever your group prefers.