A whole beef brisket is oblong, or oval shaped. If you have a point cut or flat cut half of beef brisket, they are still longer than they are tall.

With the brisket laying in front of you, with the longer piece laying left to right, (just like in the picture to the left) cut straight down from top to bottom.

This will cut the brisket across the grain.
Another way to visualize it is to compare the meat to a piece of wood board. Usually you will notice the "wood grain" running in a long line.
Beef, or any cut of meat, has muscle fibers that run in "one" direction also.
 Just cut perpendicular to this long fibers of meat.

If you are planning on cutting your own beef brisket, you will need a good boning knife.  Why not order one of our Forschner Boning Knives!  This is the same knife we have used for decades at Jackson Frozen Food Locker.  Order one today for only $24.50 - shipping included in this price!  We believe we have the lowest price on the Internet on Forschner Boning Knives.  If you find a lower price, including shipping, please e-mail us, and we will try and beat that price!