From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Sheriff of Nottingham?

Arcane Wonders / CMON English rules, 2016

The player carrying the highest value of actual cash becomes the first Sheriff.

Official tie-break or fallback

If there is a tie or nobody has money, choose the first Sheriff randomly.

Rule details

The Sheriff does not participate in the Market phase; the merchant to the Sheriff’s left acts first, then play proceeds clockwise. The Sheriff marker passes left after each round.

Source & edition

Sheriff of Nottingham: English rulebookArcane Wonders / CMON · Setting Up the Game; Phase 1: Market · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 3, 4
PDF page 5 PDF page 6

Image: © Arcane Wonders / CMON / David Sladek · Arcane Wonders / CMON (box photograph via eBay seller)

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/sheriff-nottingham-arcane-cmon-2016-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Sheriff of Nottingham?</strong> The player carrying the highest value of actual cash becomes the first Sheriff.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/sheriff-nottingham-arcane-cmon-2016-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Arcane Wonders / CMON English rules, 2016)</p>
</blockquote>

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