From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Ruthless?
Alley Cat Games English rules (2018)

Give the Start Player token to whoever can shout the most piratical “Arrrr!”. That player takes the first turn.
Rule details
All players draw cards simultaneously before turns begin, then turns proceed clockwise from the token holder.
Pass the Start Player token clockwise at the end of each round.
Source & edition
- Ruthless: English rulebookAlley Cat Games · Start Player token; How to Play; End of Round; publisher credits · Checked 2026-09-25Printed page references: 5, 6, 11, 16
Image: © Alley Cat Games · Alley Cat Games
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.
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