From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Café?
Pythagoras English rules, base game
The player who most recently had a cup of coffee is the starting master and takes the master token.
Rule details
The master begins each round; after that round, the master token passes to the player on the left.
This answer uses the base-game setup, not the separate auction variant.
Source & edition
- Café: English rulebookPythagoras · Setup, step 5; Game Round, steps 1 and 4 · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 3, 4
Image: © Pythagoras and credited artists · Noble Knight Games listing for Pythagoras Café base game
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.
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
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Chocolate FactoryWhoever most recently ate chocolate is the starting player.
IncubationThe player who most recently ate an egg starts and takes the First Player token.
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