Who goes first in Citadels?
Z-Man Games English rulebook, 2016 edition
The oldest player takes the crown. The crowned player is first to choose a character card.
Rule details
Characters are chosen clockwise: the crowned player picks one, then passes the rest to the player on their left.
Turns are not taken clockwise. The crowned player calls characters in ascending rank order, and whoever revealed that character takes their turn.
The crown moves during the game: the rank 4 character (King, Emperor or Patrician) takes or passes it, and the new crowned player chooses first next round.
Source & edition
- Citadels: RulebookZ-Man Games · Page 3, Setup step 5 and Selection Phase; page 4, Turn Phase; page 8, Complete Setup step 7; page 12, rank 4 characters; credits on page 16 · Checked 2026-09-25Printed page references: 3, 4, 8, 12, 16
Image: © Z-Man Games and any credited cover artist · Z-Man Games
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
Related games and editions
Browse available game rules
Games with a similar starting rule
- StacktopusThe oldest player starts the game by flipping over the top card.
TajutoThe oldest player goes first.- RicochetThe oldest player starts by placing the top card of the draw pile face up in the middle.
TsuroThe oldest player takes the first turn.- Clue SuspectThe oldest player goes first.
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