Who goes first in Ginkgopolis?
Pearl Games 2020 English rulebook
The player who most recently planted a tree receives the First Player card and deals four cards to each player.
Rule details
Players resolve actions starting with the First Player card holder and then clockwise.
At round end, each player takes the unused cards from the player on their right, including the First Player card if present; the card's new holder leads the next round.
In the separate game against Hal variant, the human player is always first.
Source & edition
- Ginkgopolis: English rulesPearl Games · Setup, step 9; Resolve Actions; Prepare for the Next Round; Game against Hal · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 2, 3, 5, 6
Image: © Pearl Games and any cover-art licensors or artists (precise ownership not stated on product page) · Pearl 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.
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
Forbidden JungleStart with whoever most recently touched a tree.
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Ice and the SkyThe person who most recently put their hands in snow takes the First Player card and plays first in the First Generation.
Into the BlueThe player who swam most recently starts the game.
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