From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in The Deadlies?

Smirk & Dagger English rules, 2020

The most angelic player starts; otherwise, the game owner or host starts.

Rule details

Deal the starting player one additional card.

Source & edition

The Deadlies: English rulebookSmirk and Dagger Games · Set Up; credits · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 1, 8
PDF page 1 PDF page 8

Image: © Smirk & Dagger and credited artists · Noble Knight Games listing for Smirk & Dagger 2020

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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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/deadlies-smirk-dagger-2020-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in The Deadlies?</strong> The most angelic player starts; otherwise, the game owner or host starts.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/deadlies-smirk-dagger-2020-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Smirk &amp; Dagger English rules, 2020)</p>
</blockquote>

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