From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Lost Cities: Rivals?
English Thames & Kosmos rules

The player whose birthday occurred most recently starts.
Source & edition
- Lost Cities: Rivals: Thames & Kosmos rulesThames & Kosmos · Preparation, starting player; PDF pages 2 · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 2
Image: © Thames & Kosmos / Kosmos and original cover artists (precise ownership not stated on product pages) · Rules of Play retailer, with Thames & Kosmos publisher brochure cross-check
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
Related games and editions
Lost CitiesThames & Kosmos English rules, 2018 edition with 6th expedition
Lost Cities: Roll & WriteThames & Kosmos English rules
Games with a similar starting rule
Auch schon cleverWhoever most recently had a birthday starts.
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Agatha Christie: Death on the CardsThe player whose birthday is closest to September 15, Agatha Christie's birthday, starts the game.- Check OutChoose a player to start, such as the youngest player or the player whose birthday is coming up next.
- Hocus FocusSelect one player to go first, such as the person whose birthday is coming up next.
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