From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Calico?
English AEG base-game rules

Whoever most recently petted a cat starts.
Rule details
Both the beginner and standard setups use this rule.
Source & edition
- Calico: Alderac Entertainment Group rulesAlderac Entertainment Group · Beginner Setup and Standard Setup, final paragraphs; PDF pages 4, 5 · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 4, 5
Image: © Alderac Entertainment Group and any credited cover artist · Alderac Entertainment Group
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
More starting rules
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