From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Buccaneer Bones?

Wattsalpoag Games English rulebook, 2013

The player who gives the best pirate-voice “ARRRR!” starts.

Rule details

The rule is in Setup, after the maps, ships, and treasures are placed.

Source & edition

Buccaneer Bones: English rulebookWattsalpoag Games · Setup; publisher and designer credits · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 1, 8
PDF page 1 PDF page 8

Image: © Wattsalpoag Games; individual box illustrator not credited on the publisher storefront · Wattsalpoag Games

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/buccaneer-bones-wattsalpoag-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Buccaneer Bones?</strong> The player who gives the best pirate-voice “ARRRR!” starts.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/buccaneer-bones-wattsalpoag-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Wattsalpoag Games English rulebook, 2013)</p>
</blockquote>

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