From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Butterfly?

Rio Grande Games English rules

The person who gives the best impression of a real hedgehog starts.

Official tie-break or fallback

If the group cannot decide, the rules allow any other selection method.

Rule details

The starter's right-hand neighbor places the hedgehog on the board first. This placement does not move it or collect a tile; the selected starter then takes the first turn.

Source & edition

Butterfly: Rio Grande Games rulesRio Grande Games · Setup and Playing the Game; PDF pages 1 · Checked 2026-09-23
PDF page 1

All 18 Rio Grande Games starting rules

Image: © Rio Grande Games / credited cover artist; retail image owner · Mega Shop Japan retail listing

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/butterfly-rio-grande-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Butterfly?</strong> The person who gives the best impression of a real hedgehog starts.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/butterfly-rio-grande-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Rio Grande Games English rules)</p>
</blockquote>

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