Who goes first in Betrayal at House on the Hill?
Avalon Hill (Hasbro) English rules, second edition
The explorer with the next birthday goes first. Use the birthday printed on each explorer’s character card, not the players’ own birthdays.
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
Rule details
Players take turns clockwise (to the left) following the first explorer.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
Source & edition
- Betrayal at House on the Hill Second Edition — Rules & InstructionsAvalon Hill / Hasbro · Setup, final bullet “See who goes first”, and How to Play (PDF page 3, printed spread 4–5); copyright on PDF page 1 · Checked 2026-09-25
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
- Campaign Manager 2008The player who first finishes building their Campaign Strategy deck may go first. With the preconstructed starting decks, the player closest to their 18th birthday may go first.
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