Who goes first in Hive?
Gen42 English rulebook, 2010
The rulebook doesn't name a first player. Play begins with one player placing a piece in the centre of the table, then the other player places one of their own pieces touching it edge to edge.
Rule details
After the first two pieces, players take turns to either place a new piece or move one of their pieces.
Each player must place their Queen Bee by their fourth turn at the latest.
Source & edition
- Hive: English rulesGen42 Games · Cover, copyright; page 1, Preparation; page 2, Playing the Game; page 3, Placing your Queen Bee · Checked 2026-09-25Printed page references: cover, 1, 2, 3
Image: © Gen42 Games and cover-art creators (precise ownership not stated on product page) · Gen42 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
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