From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Rummikub?

Original Rummikub English edition

Each player draws one tile from the mixed, face-down tiles. Whoever draws the highest number goes first. Return those tiles and mix them again before dealing the racks.

Rule details

Play passes to the left.

Source & edition

Rummikub: English rulebookLemada Light Industries · Set-up; Playing the game · Checked 2026-09-26Printed page references: 1
PDF page 1

Image: © M&M Ventures (2014) Limited / Lemada Light Industries · Rummikub / Lemada Light Industries

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/rummikub-original-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Rummikub?</strong> Each player draws one tile from the mixed, face-down tiles. Whoever draws the highest number goes first. Return those tiles and mix them again before dealing the racks.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/rummikub-original-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Original Rummikub English edition)</p>
</blockquote>

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