From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Shanghaien?

ABACUSSPIELE English two-player rules

The most rough-and-ready player goes first.

Rule details

The two players then alternate turns.

Source & edition

Shanghaien: ABACUSSPIELE rulesABACUSSPIELE · Game Setup, final bullet; Game Play; PDF pages 1 · Checked 2026-09-23
PDF page 1

All 8 ABACUSSPIELE starting rules

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If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/shanghaien-abacus-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Shanghaien?</strong> The most rough-and-ready player goes first.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/shanghaien-abacus-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (ABACUSSPIELE English two-player rules)</p>
</blockquote>

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