From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Patchwork?
Lookout Spiele / Mayfair Games English rules, 2014
The player who last used a needle starts.
Rule details
After that, the player whose time token is furthest behind takes the next turn; if the tokens share a space, the token on top goes first.
Source & edition
- Patchwork: English rulebookLookout Spiele / Mayfair Games · Setup, step 3; Course of Play · Checked 2026-09-24
Image: © Lookout GmbH / atelier198 · Lookout Spiele
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.
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
HardbackWhoever last used a pen takes the first turn.
Rococo: Deluxe EditionIn multiplayer, whoever last used a needle and thread takes the first action turn.
Cóatl: The Card GameChoose a starting player; the rules suggest the person who last used a paintbrush.
Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark SideUse the game's playful criterion, whoever last used the Force, or let the oldest player start.
PagodaWhoever last ate with chopsticks starts.
Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.