From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Pergola?
Rebel Studio English rules, 2025
The person who last worked in a garden starts. If nobody has, the most colorfully dressed person starts.
Rule details
Turns proceed clockwise from that player.
The printed alternative applies only when no player has worked in a garden.
Source & edition
- Pergola: English rulebookRebel Studio · The Course of the Game: Player’s turn · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 4
Image: © Rebel Studio / Karolina Kijak-Dzikońska · Rebel Studio
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
FoothillsChoose a starting player; the rules suggest the person who most recently dug soil in their garden.
Save the Treasure of Fairy TalesThe player who was most recently in a garden starts.
Cottage GardenThe player who most recently weeded a garden goes first.
Splish Splash!The person who most recently went swimming starts.
AsaraThe person who most recently climbed a tower 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.