Who goes first in Alhambra?
Queen Games English rules, revised edition 2019
After everyone is dealt starting money (cards dealt one at a time until each player has 20 or more), the player with the fewest money cards starts.
Official tie-break or fallback
If players have the same number of cards, the one with the lowest total money starts; if still tied, the younger player starts.
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
Rule details
Play proceeds clockwise, beginning with the starting player.
In the two-player game the imaginary third player, Dirk, never takes turns.
Source & edition
- Alhambra — English rules (revised edition)Queen Games · Page 2, Getting ready to play (starting money and starting player); page 3, How to play; page 6, two-player rules and copyright · Checked 2026-09-25
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