Who goes first in Dominion?
English second edition · 2021 rulebook revision
For a fresh game, choose the starting player randomly. If you just played Dominion and it was not a tie, the previous winner goes last; the player to their left starts.
Rule details
The rematch exception applies only after a game without a tie; otherwise use the ordinary random selection instruction.
Random selection for a fresh game is an official instruction, not a house rule.
Source & edition
- Dominion: Second Edition rulebook, 2021 revisionRio Grande Games · Preparation on page 4; second-edition credits and copyright on page 16; document footer identifies the 2021 revision · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 4, 16
Image: © Rio Grande Games and credited game artist · Rio Grande Games
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.
Related games and editions
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Games with a similar starting rule
CoupThe previous game's winner goes first, or choose the starting player randomly.
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Valley of the KingsChoose the starting player randomly.
Bot FactoryThe person who last bought a robot starts the first worker-placement phase. You may instead choose that player randomly.
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