From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Sumology?

SimplyFun English rules linked from product SKU SF070

After everyone receives eight tiles, each player or team reveals its lowest number tile. The player or team with the lowest number goes first.

Official tie-break or fallback

If tied, reveal the second-lowest number, continuing through the tiles until the tie is resolved.

Source & edition

Sumology — SimplyFun rulesSimplyFun · Setup; How to Play · Checked 2026-09-28
PDF page 3 PDF page 4

All 20 SimplyFun starting rules

Image: © SimplyFun / product box artist · SimplyFun · Editorial fair use (Reduced-size official product box image identifies the exact game discussed in this independent rules article. It is contextual, links to its source, and does not substitute for the game or full artwork. This is an editorial fair-use assessment, not a licence or permission.)

Rule details

The manual permits up to four individuals or two teams of two or more; apply the comparison to the players or teams in your game.

The starter must form a valid equation using the = tile already in the middle. Play then continues clockwise.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/sumology-simplyfun-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Sumology?</strong> After everyone receives eight tiles, each player or team reveals its lowest number tile. The player or team with the lowest number goes first.</p>
  <p>— <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/sumology-simplyfun-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (SimplyFun English rules linked from product SKU SF070)</p>
</blockquote>

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