From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Scrabble?
Mattel Scrabble English instructions
Each player draws one tile. The player whose tile is nearest the start of the alphabet plays first; a blank tile beats A.

Rule details
Return the drawn tiles to the bag, mix them, and draw seven tiles each. Play proceeds clockwise.
Source & edition
- Scrabble: Mattel English instructionsMattel · Getting Started · Checked 2026-09-25
Image: WOKANDAPIX / Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons · CC0 1.0
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.
Related games and editions
Browse available game rulesFree game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.