From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Small World?

Whoever has the pointiest ears takes the first turn. Continue clockwise around the table.

Rule details

The same first player advances the game-turn marker when a new round begins.

Source & edition

Small World: Days of Wonder rulesDays of Wonder · Starting the game on the left of the spread; I. The first turn on the right; PDF pages 2 · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 2, 3
PDF page 2

All 15 Days of Wonder starting rules

Image: © Days of Wonder / Asmodee · Asmodee USA

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/small-world-days-of-wonder-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Small World?</strong> Whoever has the pointiest ears takes the first turn. Continue clockwise around the table.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/small-world-days-of-wonder-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (Days of Wonder English rules, copyright 2009–2018)</p>
</blockquote>

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