Who goes first in Samurai (Reiner Knizia)?
Fantasy Flight edition · 2015 (English)
The youngest player takes the first turn. Play then proceeds clockwise.
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.
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 2026-09-26Printed page references: 5, 4, 8
Image: © Fantasy Flight Games (publisher of the cited rules; cover art may have additional creators or rights holders) · Fantasy Flight 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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