Who goes first?
From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Exploding Kittens?

Exploding Kittens Original Edition English instructions

Exploding Kittens Original Edition game box

Pick someone to go first, then take turns clockwise.

Rule details

The printed examples of possible selection criteria are suggestions, not a required method.

Source & edition

Image: © Exploding Kittens and any cover-art licensors or artists (precise ownership not stated on product page) · Exploding Kittens

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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