Make the rules clear before the first hand.
Agree before the deal
Name the game and the version you are using. Check the deck, remove or include jokers as required and decide the direction of play. A short explanation at the start prevents a long disagreement later.
Make the procedure visible
Explain who deals first, how cards are distributed and where the draw and discard piles go. Keep private hands private unless the rules specify otherwise. For a new group, walk through a sample turn without scoring.
Keep house rules separate
Write down any local changes, including scoring and how to handle an incorrect deal. Introduce changes between games, with everyone’s agreement. The aim is a shared understanding, not an advantage based on an unstated rule.