Who goes first?
From the source rules

Who goes first in Chartae?

Board Game Circus German rules (2020); English summary

Board Game Circus Chartae box in front of parchment map tiles

Choose together who begins. The rules do not prescribe a selection method.

Rule details

This is a two-player game. After the first player takes a turn, the other player takes the next turn, and they continue alternating.

Our interpretation

English summary of the German Board Game Circus edition's setup instruction, 'Bestimmt, wer das Spiel beginnt.'

Source & edition

  • Chartae: German rulesBoard Game Circus / XV Games · Vorbereitung; Spielablauf; German-edition credits · Checked 2026-09-25Printed page references: 2, 6Cited PDF pages: 1, 4

Image: © Board Game Circus and credited artists · Board Game Circus official 2020 Chartae product photo

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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