Combat often starts before everyone involved is prepared. An ambush, a sudden double-cross, or a trap might all give one side in a fight an edge over the other.

When this happens, the side that started the fight is not dealt cards but begins the fight on Hold. Victims of the surprise attack must make Notice rolls. Those who make it are dealt in as usual. Those who fail get no card in the first round of combat.

Savage Worlds Deluxe Edition p. 73