Who goes first in Risk?
Hasbro English rules (2–5 players), 2015
In Secret Mission Risk, each player rolls one die and whoever rolls the highest number goes first. In Classic Risk, the highest roller places the first Infantry and takes the first turn.
Rule details
In Secret Mission setup, the youngest player starts the extra Infantry placement; the die roll then decides the first turn.
In Classic setup, territory claiming continues to the left of the highest roller. Capital Risk deploys troops as in Classic Risk.
At the end of your turn, pass the dice to your left.
Source & edition
- Risk Game: English game guideHasbro · Game 1 Secret Mission Setup steps 6 and 8; Game 2 Classic Risk Setup steps 2 and 5; Game 3 Risk for 2 Players · Checked 2026-09-25Printed page references: 5, 12, 13
Image: © Hasbro, Inc. · Hasbro / Avalon Hill
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
Missing the dice? Roll them online.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
Related games and editions
- RiskWinning Moves Risk 1959 edition rules (2022 sheet)
RiskHasbro Risk Global Domination English instructions
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Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
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