From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Azul?
Next Move Games English base game · copyright 2018
The player whose visit to Portugal was most recent starts.
Rule details
Before the first turn, the starting player puts the marker in the center. Turns then proceed clockwise.
The floor-line penalty is separate: the first player to select tiles from the center also takes the marker and puts it on their floor line.
Source & edition
- Azul: English rulebookNext Move Games / Plan B Games · Page 2, Game Setup step 5; page 3, Factory offer; copyright on page 6 · Checked 2026-09-19Printed page references: 2, 3, 6
Image: © Next Move Games and credited cover artists · Asmodee USA
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
Related games and editions
Azul: Master ChocolatierNext Move English rules, ©2022
Azul: Stained Glass of SintraNext Move English rules, ©2024
Games with a similar starting rule
Beacon PatrolThe most recent person to visit the sea starts. Play continues clockwise.
HarbourThe player who was most recently on a boat starts.
Ka-Ching!Whoever was paid most recently starts.
Save the Treasure of Fairy TalesThe player who was most recently in a garden starts.
AqualinThe player who was most recently in the ocean goes first.
Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
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