From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Honga?

English HABA USA rules

The player with the shaggiest hair starts and receives the fire marker.

Rule details

The fire marker stays with that player for the whole game.

Source & edition

Honga: HABA rulesHABA · Game Setup, fire marker; PDF pages 3 · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 3
PDF page 3

All 15 HABA starting rules

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If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/honga-haba-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Honga?</strong> The player with the shaggiest hair starts and receives the fire marker.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/honga-haba-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (English HABA USA rules)</p>
</blockquote>

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