Who goes first in Lost Cities?
Thames & Kosmos English rules, 2018 edition with 6th expedition
The oldest player begins. After that, the players alternate turns.
Rule details
A match is three games. In each later game, the player who has the most points goes first.
The long-game variant with six expeditions does not change who starts.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
Source & edition
- Lost Cities: The Duel of the Explorers — rulesThames & Kosmos / Kosmos · Page 2, Sequence of Play; page 3, end of a game and Long Game variant; credits on page 4 · Checked 2026-09-25
Related games and editions
- Lost Cities: Rivals — English Thames & Kosmos rules
- Lost Cities: Roll & Write — Thames & Kosmos English rules
Games with a similar starting rule
- Pirates vs DinosaursThe rules suggest that the player who looks most like a pirate starts. If players cannot agree who makes the most convincing pirate, the oldest player starts.
- Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark SideUse the game's playful criterion—whoever last used the Force—or let the oldest player start.
- TajutoThe oldest player goes first.
- TsuroThe oldest player takes the first turn.
- CATANFor the beginner setup, the oldest player starts. For variable setup, everyone rolls both dice; the highest roller starts setup and takes the first regular turn after setup.
Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.