Who goes first in Samurai (Reiner Knizia)?

Rule details

During standard setup, the youngest player also begins placing caste pieces in cities. Village placement continues with the next player after the final city placement.

The optional Basic Setup for first-time players randomizes starting hands and caste placement. Regular play still follows the printed youngest-player start.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

Source & edition

• Samurai rulebook, Fantasy Flight Games English edition (2015)Fantasy Flight Games · Playing the Game / Turn Sequence; Setup steps 8-9 and Basic Setup sidebar; credits and 2015 imprint · Checked 2026-09-26

More starting rules

Games with a similar starting rule

• SantoriniThe youngest player is the Start Player. They place their two Workers first, and play begins with the Start Player.
• Say AnythingThe youngest player is the first judge.
• SeasonsThe youngest player starts the first Tournament round by rolling the Season dice and choosing a die first.
• Shadows over CamelotThe player playing King Arthur starts. If King Arthur is not in play, the youngest player starts.
• SpicyThe youngest player takes the first turn. Play proceeds clockwise until a card is challenged.