Who goes first in Samurai Sword?

Rule details

For four to seven players, shuffle the Role cards appropriate to the player count and deal one facedown to each player. The Shogun reveals that role; the other roles remain secret.

In the four-to-seven-player setup, starting hands depend on position: the Shogun receives four cards, the second and third players clockwise receive five each, the fourth and fifth receive six each, and the sixth and seventh receive seven each, when those seats are present.

With three players, randomly deal one player the Shogun role; the other two are Ninjas. Normal turn order still applies, while the Shogun starts with six Honor Points and each Ninja with three. The Shogun also draws one additional card during each draw phase.