From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Cacao?
ABACUSSPIELE English base game, item 04151

The oldest player starts. Play proceeds clockwise.
Source & edition
- Cacao — English base-game instructionsABACUSSPIELE · Course of the Game, opening paragraph · Checked 2026-09-28
Image: © ABACUSSPIELE and cover artist Claus Stephan · ABACUSSPIELE · Editorial fair use (Small official box image identifies the exact game discussed in this independent rules article and does not substitute for the product or artwork. This is an editorial fair-use assessment, not a licence or permission.)
Rule details
This comes from the base-game Course of the Game section, not either expansion.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
Game night gear
More starting rules
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