Who goes first?
From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Pente?

Winning Moves English rules (2022 sheet)

Use a method of chance to decide who plays first in the first game; that player places the first stone on the center point. In later games, the loser of the last game moves first.

Source & edition

All 17 Winning Moves Games starting rules

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

Rule details

The rules note that the first player has a slight advantage.

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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