Who goes first in San Juan?
Rio Grande English original edition
Choose a starting player by any method and give them the governor placard. The governor chooses the first role.
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
Rule details
The governor performs the chosen role action first, followed clockwise by the other players. The next player clockwise then chooses a role.
At the end of the round, pass the governor placard left. With two players, the governor chooses a second role after the opponent.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
Source & edition
- San Juan — English rulebookRio Grande Games · Preparation; Playing the game · Checked 2026-09-26
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