From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Gadianton?
Exclusive Games English rules, 2021

The player who most recently put a crown or hat on their head starts.
Rule details
That player places their Thief figure on a red Start/Arrival circle first; the other players place theirs clockwise before play begins.
Source & edition
- Gadianton: English rulesExclusive Games · Setting up the game, step 7 · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 1
Image: © Exclusive Games and Frédéric Poëncin · Parkage product listing for Exclusive Games 2021 edition
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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