From the source rules

Who goes first in Karmaka?

Hemisphere Games English printable rules, 2015

The player with the worst luck takes the first turn.

Rule details

Players then take turns clockwise.

Source & edition

Karmaka: English rulesHemisphere Games · Set Up, step 5; Turn Structure · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 6Cited PDF pages: 6

Image: © Hemisphere Games and artist Marco Bucci (precise ownership not stated in article) · Hemisphere 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.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/karmaka-hemisphere-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Karmaka?</strong> The player with the worst luck takes the first turn.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/karmaka-hemisphere-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Hemisphere Games English printable rules, 2015)</p>
</blockquote>

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