From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Ninja Taisen?

IELLO English rules, 2016

The most silent player rolls the dice and starts.

Rule details

The first player is selected after both villages and the ninja are set up.

Source & edition

Ninja Taisen: English rulebookIELLO · Setup, step 6 · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 7
PDF page 7

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Image: © IELLO · IELLO

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

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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/ninja-taisen-iello-2016-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Ninja Taisen?</strong> The most silent player rolls the dice and starts.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/ninja-taisen-iello-2016-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (IELLO English rules, 2016)</p>
</blockquote>

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