Starting rules about whoever did something most recently

567 sourced starting rules that mention whoever did something most recently. Check the edition before using an answer.

These rules turn a recent experience into a starting-player question. Ask the exact question in the answer, then open the game for any official tie-break. A rule that works for one edition may change in another.

• 10 Tricks LaterThe player who most recently watched a horror movie leads the first trick of the first round.
• 12 GangstersThe last person to dress up as a gangster takes the Boss token for the first round.
• 13 GhostsThe player who most recently saw a ghost starts. A ghost in a film, television show, or illustration counts if no one has seen one in real life.
• 1923 Cotton ClubThe player who listened to jazz music most recently starts.
• 3 ChaptersWith three to six players, whoever most recently saw a rabbit leads the first trick in Chapter II. With two players, agree who will lead that first trick.
• 3 WishesThe player who most recently had a wish come true starts.
• 7: The SinsThe player most recently swayed by one of the seven deadly sins goes first.
• 7SeasWhoever most recently went to sea goes first.
• 890 Anno DominiThe person who most recently visited a castle is the first player.
• A Column of FireWhoever was most recently in a church takes the starting player marker and begins the game.
• A Game of Thrones: B'TwixtWhoever has most recently been betrayed takes the first player token and starts.
• A Midsummer Night’s FayreThe player who last went to a carnival begins the game.
• A Thief's FortuneWhoever most recently borrowed something and never returned it starts the first round and takes the Starting Player token.
• Abandon All ArtichokesThe person who most recently ate a green vegetable that was cooked starts.
• AbluxxenWhoever saw a lynx most recently takes the paw marker and plays first.
• Abra Kazam!The last person to read a book about wizards begins as the Wizard.
• Acorn PawsThe player who most recently saw a squirrel goes first.
• Adventure Games: Monochrome Inc.Whoever most recently watched or read a thriller goes first.
• Adventure Games: The DungeonWhoever most recently read a fantasy novel or watched a fantasy movie or show goes first.
• Adventure Games: The Gloom City FileWhoever most recently read or watched a thriller goes first.
• Adventure Games: The Grand Hotel AbaddonWhoever most recently read a ghost story goes first.
• Adventure Games: The Volcanic IslandWhoever most recently saw an island goes first.
• Agent AvenueIn the two-player simple mode, whoever most recently watched a spy movie starts.
• AkropolisWhoever climbed a hill most recently takes the Chief Architect marker and plays first.
• AlchemistsWhoever was most recently in a laboratory receives the starting-player token and chooses an order space first.
• ALIEN: Fate of the NostromoWhoever was most recently hissed at by a cat starts. Continue clockwise after each player's turn.
• Alles Tomate!The person who most recently ate a tomato reveals the first card.
• AlpacaThe person who most recently petted an alpaca goes first and takes the alpaca miniature.
• Alubari: A Nice Cup of TeaThe player who most recently drank a cup of tea is the starting player and takes the starting player marker.
• AmalfiThe person who was most recently aboard a ship starts.
• Amalfi: RenaissanceWhoever most recently visited the ocean receives the wind-rose marker and starts the game.
• AnachronyWith standard setup, whoever most recently experienced déjà vu goes first.
• Anno 1800: The Board GameWhoever was abroad most recently takes the starting-player token and starts the game.
• AntinomyThe player who most recently experienced déjà vu starts; the other player deals.
• AqualinThe player who was most recently in the ocean goes first.
• AquaticaThe player who most recently dived in the sea is first in turn order.
• ArboretumThe player who last watered a plant starts.
• Archaeology: The New ExpeditionThe first player is the person who last put their feet in the sand.
• Archeos SocietyFor the first season, the player who most recently visited an archaeological site goes first.
• ARGHThe strongest advocate for animal rights, or the player who most recently fed an animal, starts.
• ArmoniaWhoever most recently sang, hummed, or whistled like a cute little gnome is the starting player.
• Around the World in 80 DaysThe player who most recently visited London starts; alternatively, choose one player randomly using everyone’s Hat pawn.
• Art RobberyWhoever visited a museum most recently starts the first raid.
• ARTBOXChoose the first Maestro as the most recent art-gallery visitor, the most experienced player, or a player selected at random.
• AsaraThe person who most recently climbed a tower starts.
• AsteroydsThe player who most recently flew is player one and takes the dice and stopwatch.
• AstraWhoever most recently saw a shooting star goes first.
• Auch schon cleverWhoever most recently had a birthday starts.
• AzulThe player whose visit to Portugal was most recent starts.
• Azul: Master ChocolatierWhoever most recently ate chocolate goes first.
• Azul: Stained Glass of SintraWhoever most recently cleaned a window goes first.
• Baba YagaStart with whoever most recently saw a black cat.
• Back to the Future: The Card GameWhoever most recently watched a Back to the Future movie goes first.
• BaconGive the start player token to the player who most recently ate bacon.
• BärenparkThe player who most recently visited an animal park starts. The rules also allow choosing the starting player at random.
• Bargain QuestGive the initial quest token to the player who most recently paid cash for goods or a service.
• BarrageFor the full game, randomly choose who selects a Company first, then let players select clockwise. Reverse that selection order for play: the last player to choose takes the first action turn.
• BasilicaThe player who most recently visited a cathedral, basilica, or medieval church takes the first turn. If neither player has, consider any other temple or sacred place. If both visited such a place at the same time, the younger player starts.
• Battle MerchantsThe player who most recently sold a weapon to an orc takes the first turn. If nobody has, choose the starting player randomly.
• Beacon PatrolThe most recent person to visit the sea starts. Play continues clockwise.
• Bears vs BabiesPick a player to go first. The instructions suggest examples such as the furriest player, the player with the most recent tantrum, or the player with the most body parts.
• BebopThe player who most recently went to a concert is the first player.
• Bee AlertThe player who most recently ate honey goes first.
• BeethupferlThe player who last ate a carrot starts.
• BeezWhoever most recently ate a honey sandwich goes first.
• Belladone BluffThe player who most recently took a medicinal ingredient starts the game.
• Berried TreasureIf a player is named Suzanne Sheldon, that player goes first. Otherwise, whoever most recently ate pie starts.
• BettaThe player who most recently visited a pet shop starts.
• Beyond Baker StreetWith Character cards, the player holding the lowest-numbered Character card starts. In the first game, when no Character cards are used, the player who most recently read a Sherlock Holmes story starts.
• Beyond the SunThe person who most recently went to space starts.
• Black GoldWhoever most recently filled their car with gas takes the market price die and starts the first round. If players cannot remember or prefer another method, the rules say to choose randomly.
• BloomWhoever received a flower most recently starts the first round.
• BlossomsThe player who has watered flowers most recently starts.
• BlueprintsIn the first round, the player who most recently visited a building under construction goes first.
• Bob Ross: Art of Chill GameThe person who most recently painted a picture starts.
• Bomb SquadThe player who most recently played with a robot is the start player.
• BombayThe player who most recently saw an elephant starts.
• BoonlakeIn multiplayer, whoever most recently traveled to a place with fewer than 100 inhabitants goes first.
• boop.The player who most recently petted a cat starts, or choose the first player randomly.
• Bot FactoryThe person who last bought a robot starts the first worker-placement phase. You may instead choose that player randomly.
• BrewWhoever most recently brewed a cup of tea or coffee gets the first-player marker. Turns proceed clockwise from that player.
• Brew CraftersThe person who most recently finished a beer starts and takes the Starting Player token. Root beer counts.
• BriefcaseWhoever most recently attended a business meeting starts. Play continues clockwise.
• Bring Your Own BookWhoever most recently read an epic novel is the first Picker and reads the opening prompt.
• BrugesWhoever most recently ate Belgian chocolate goes first.
• BuranoWhoever visited Italy most recently starts. If nobody has ever been there, choose the starting player randomly.
• Burgle Bros 2: The Casino CapersWhoever most recently gambled starts. The rules also allow choosing the first player randomly.
• Burgle Bros.Whoever most recently took money out of a bank takes the first turn.
• CaféThe player who most recently had a cup of coffee is the starting master and takes the master token.
• CahootsStart with whoever most recently ate an orange-colored food.
• Caldera ParkWhoever most recently saw a wild animal in real life takes the marmot and makes the first action-token and terrain choice.
• CalicoWhoever most recently petted a cat starts.
• Call to AdventureThe player who most recently finished reading a novel takes the first turn.
• CanopyThe player who most recently watered a plant starts.
• CanvasWhoever painted most recently goes first.
• Captain CarcassThe player who saw the ocean most recently starts the game.
• Captain Clueless: Lost in the CaribbeanThe team with the player who last lost their keys goes first. Each team chooses one player to be its first Captain Clueless.
• Carcassonne: AmazonasStart with whoever most recently took a boat ride. The rulebook also permits the youngest player to start instead. Play proceeds clockwise.
• Cards Against HumanityThe player who most recently pooped serves as the first Card Czar and begins the first round. If Hugh Jackman is playing, the printed rules give him priority regardless of that criterion.
• Cargo NoirWhoever last visited a port in real life starts and takes the first-player marker. Turns proceed clockwise.
• CartagenaThe player who most recently went to the sea starts.
• CascadiaThe person who most recently saw a bear, elk, salmon, hawk, or fox starts. The rulebook also allows choosing the starting player randomly.
• CastellThe player who most recently visited Catalonia receives the first-player marker and takes the first turn.
• Castello MethoniThe player who most recently visited an island goes first.
• CastingThe player who most recently went to the cinema is the Director for the first round.
• Cat CaféWhoever most recently petted a cat starts the first round.
• Cat in the BoxWhoever most recently encountered a black cat goes first.
• Cat-a-combThe person who last combed a cat places the neutral cats during setup. Their opponent takes the first turn.
• Catch the MoonWhoever most recently saw a full moon starts.
• Caterpillar DiceWhoever most recently saw a caterpillar begins by rolling the die.
• Century: Eastern WondersThe player who was most recently on a boat starts.
• Century: Golem Edition – Eastern MountainsThe player who most recently reached a mountain summit starts.
• CeresWhoever most recently went stargazing starts. The rulebook also accepts another way of choosing the first player.
• CeylonIn standard play, whoever drank tea most recently starts, or choose randomly. In the optional experienced-player variant, the lowest-numbered starting tile determines who starts.
• Cha-Cha Chihuahua: The Game of Dancing DoggiesThe player who most recently pet a dog goes first.
• ChabyrintheWhoever most recently spotted a black cat starts. Turns proceed clockwise.
• Champions of MidgardThe player who most recently earned glory in battle starts. Choosing a player randomly is also an official option.
• Chaudron PartyThe most recent player to simmer a dish in a cauldron, stewpot or casserole starts; otherwise, the best toad imitator starts.
• Chef AlfredoWhoever most recently helped cook a meal takes the die and goes first.
• Chef Pop de PopThe most recent person to floss their teeth shakes the shaker to start round one.
• Chicken ChickenWhoever most recently fed any kind of bird becomes the first Head Farmer and reveals the cards.
• Chill Out!The person who most recently ate an ice cube starts.
• ChinatownThe player who most recently visited a Chinatown takes the First Player card.
• Chocolate FactoryWhoever most recently ate chocolate is the starting player.
• Chonky DonkeyWhoever most recently saw a living donkey takes the first hot seat. The person on their left asks the first question.
• Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls – Disney EditionThere are no individual turns. Whoever most recently watched a Disney movie becomes the first round's Leader.
• CircusThe player who last attended a circus starts and takes the starting-player card.
• Clever KeysThe last player to have visited a real castle starts.
• Cóatl: The Card GameChoose a starting player; the rules suggest the person who last used a paintbrush.
• ColoradoThe last player to visit an abandoned mine in a rusty wagon oozing coal residue takes the Caller token and starts; alternatively, choose by any method.
• Container: 10th Anniversary Jumbo Edition!The player who last captained a container ship starts. Alternatively, choose a random starting player by any method everyone agrees on.
• Cookie AddictThe player who last ate a cookie starts the game by choosing a character token and placing it in front of a row or column.
• Costa RicaChoose the first expedition leader: use the player who most recently visited a rainforest, with Costa Rica taking precedence, or randomly select someone using the explorers in one group.
• Cottage GardenThe player who most recently weeded a garden goes first.
• Council of VeronaThe player who was last on a balcony goes first.
• Crash OctopusThe player who most recently encountered an octopus is the starting player.
• Cthulhu RealmsThe player who most recently went insane is the Start Player and takes the first turn.
• Curious CargoWhoever most recently rode in a truck has the initial turn-order priority.
• Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board GameWhoever looked through a microscope most recently goes first.
• Das Schloss der 7 SchlösserThe player who most recently opened a lock starts.
• Dawn of PeacemakersWhoever most recently avoided a conflict starts. The campaign rules also allow choosing the starter randomly.
• Dead Man's CabalThe last player to have raised the dead becomes the first Active Player and takes the Skull Draw Bag. If no one has performed necromantic magic recently, choose the first Active Player by another method.
• Death ValleyThe player who most recently drank water plays first.
• DeducktoStart with the person who most recently fed a duck.
• Demon WorkerThe player who has been evil most recently goes first, or choose a player randomly.
• Dice CityWhoever most recently rolled a die in a game starts.
• Dice HospitalWhoever most recently visited a hospital starts. The rules also allow choosing randomly.
• Die Zausel vom ZauberwaldThe player who most recently stumbled starts.
• Dinner in ParisThe person who most recently ate at a restaurant goes first.
• Dinosaur IslandWhoever most recently extracted DNA from an amber-trapped mosquito goes first. If nobody has done that, whoever most recently visited a theme park starts.
• Dinosaur WorldThe player who most recently trained a raptor to respond to hand signals goes first. If no one has done that, choose the first player randomly.
• Disc CoverIn the competitive variant, whoever most recently listened to music becomes the first Leader.
• Disney Hocus Pocus: The GameWhoever last lit a candle starts. Play proceeds clockwise.
• DistilledRandomly choose the first player, or give the first-player token to whoever last visited a distillery.
• Divinity DerbyThe player who most recently saw a flying creature takes the first-player token. The rules also allow the group to use the youngest player instead.
• Dodge DiceWhoever most recently played dodgeball rolls all ten dice to start the first round.
• Dragon CastleWhoever most recently saw a dragon starts. Dragons shown in this game do not count. Play proceeds clockwise.
• DragonwoodWhoever most recently went hiking in the woods starts.
• Draw BotPlayers do not take individual turns: everyone draws at the same time. The player who most recently used a screwdriver is named Workshop Manager during setup.
• Dreadful CircusThe player who most recently visited a circus starts as the first Seller.
• Dreaming DragonWhoever most recently saw a lizard goes first.
• Duck Duck BruceWhoever most recently fed a live duck starts.
• Dungeon PetzWhoever fed a pet most recently receives the starting-player token. The rules also permit choosing its holder randomly or by agreement.
• Dungeon RollThe player who was most recently underground starts as the Adventurer.
• Dungeons & Dragons: The Yawning PortalThe player who last ate something goes first.
• Dust in the WingsThe player who most recently visited a butterfly conservatory starts; alternatively, choose a starting player using a method of your own.
• Ecos: First ContinentThe player who most recently went hiking is the starting player and takes the Element bag.
• El GrandeThe player who visited Spain most recently takes the First Player marker and plays the first Power card.
• ElectropolisThe player who has paid the biggest electricity bill most recently takes the first space on the Turn Order board.
• Eleven: Football Manager Board GameThe player who most recently scored a goal becomes the first player and receives the Stage marker.
• ElevensesThe player who most recently finished drinking a delicious cup of tea is the first start player.
• EmergeThe person who most recently visited an island is the first player and takes the First Player Anchor.
• Escape PlanThe rulebook names whoever most recently robbed a bank as the initial starter. That player leads the opening City-tile placement; the order reverses before the first Player Action phase.
• EternitiumThe most recent player to travel back in time, or to see someone do so, starts. The journey or sighting may be fictional. If nobody qualifies, choose a starting player at random.
• Expeditions: Around the WorldThe player who most recently traveled abroad goes first.
• ExposedThe player who was most recently stolen from goes first.
• Fairy TrailsWhoever most recently walked in a forest while wondering whether hidden folk exist goes first.
• Fallout Shelter: The Board GameThe player who was most recently underground takes the first player token and goes first.
• Fantastic FactoriesThe player who used a tool most recently receives the first player token and starts the Market Phase.
• Farm ClubThe player who was most recently attacked by an animal starts; the rules say even a cat scratch counts.
• FarmageddonThe player who most recently visited a farm goes first.
• FavelasWhoever most recently visited Rio de Janeiro goes first.
• Fields of GreenThe player who most recently visited a farm or a rural area takes the First Player tile.
• Finding NessieThe last player to take a bath starts.
• Fire & Axe: A Viking SagaChoose a starting player by any method. The rules suggest the fiercest Viking roar, the hairiest beard, the most recent visit to Scandinavia, or drawing one shuffled crew member per player at random.
• FirenzeThe person who most recently went up a tower starts and receives two white bricks.
• First GiantsThe player who most recently encountered a dinosaur takes the first-player token and starts the game.
• First OrchardWhoever ate an apple most recently takes the first turn.
• First RatWhoever most recently ate cheese goes first.
• Fish 'n' FlipIn the cooperative game, the player who last spotted a dolphin starts.
• Flamme RougeThe most recent bicycle rider places both cyclists first during setup. Once racing begins, everyone chooses energy cards simultaneously; the frontmost cyclist moves first.
• Flashlights & FirefliesThe person who most recently played tag starts the first round.
• Fleet Commander: GenesisThe player who last observed gravitational waves begins; otherwise, both players roll their nine Energy dice and the player with more special-symbol results starts.
• Flip CityThe last player to have flipped a table is the start player.
• FlipToonsEveryone begins together; whoever most recently watched a cartoon takes the first Market turn.
• Flitze Flatze BärentatzeThe player who most recently saw a fish in the water starts.
• Flock TogetherThe person who most recently ate chicken goes last. The player to that person’s left goes first.
• Fog of LoveThe player who last blew a kiss is the first player.
• FoodiesWhoever most recently ate at an international restaurant takes the First Player token and starts.
• FoothillsChoose a starting player; the rules suggest the person who most recently dug soil in their garden.
• Forbidden IslandStart with whoever most recently visited an island.
• Forbidden JungleStart with whoever most recently touched a tree.
• Forbidden SkyThe person who most recently traveled by air starts.
• Forest ShuffleThe player who last took a walk in the forest starts the game.
• Forest Shuffle: DartmoorThe player who last visited a moor starts the game.
• ForgenesisWhoever most recently crafted an item takes the first turn.
• Forum TrajanumWhoever most recently visited a city center is the starting player.
• Four GardensThe player who last visited a pagoda is the starting player.
• FragmentsThe person who most recently had a feeling of déjà vu starts the story.
• Fresh FishThe player who most recently visited a weekly market starts.
• Fresh FruitsThe last person to eat a melon starts the first round.
• Für die KatzThe person who most recently petted a cat is the first cat seeker.
• GadiantonThe player who most recently put a crown or hat on their head starts.
• Galactic CruiseThe player who most recently went on a cruise or vacation goes first and takes the First Player token.
• GanymedeWhoever watched a science-fiction film or TV series most recently is the first player.
• Garden RushThe player who most recently ate a tomato takes the first turn.
• GenoaThe player who most recently visited a market starts.
• Ghooost!The loser of the previous game starts; for a first game, the player most recently spooked by something starts.
• Ghost LiftThe person who most recently had a scare becomes the first player.
• Ghost StoriesThe most recent person to watch a kung-fu movie starts. Turns then proceed clockwise.
• Gift of TulipsThe player who most recently gave someone a flower goes first.
• Gingerbread HouseChoose a starting witch; the rulebook suggests the player who last visited a forest as an example.
• GinkgopolisThe player who most recently planted a tree receives the First Player card and deals four cards to each player.
• Gloomy GravesThe player who most recently visited a graveyard starts and takes the Start Player card.
• Glow SpottersWhoever most recently used a flashlight starts the first round.
• Go Nuts!The person who most recently ate a nut starts.
• GolemsIn the two-player game, whoever most recently built a snowman starts.
• Good Cop Bad CopThe player who was most recently shot, in a game or in real life, takes the first turn.
• GrandBoisThe player who most recently walked through a forest starts.
• Guju GujuWhoever most recently ate a banana starts.
• GutenbergCompare the books each player most recently read. Whoever read the thickest of those books receives the first-player token.
• HabitatsWhoever fed an animal most recently starts and takes the Turn Tracker and Turn Marker.
• Half-Pint HeroesThe player who most recently had a black eye is the start player.
• HamburgumThe person who most recently visited a church starts.
• Hang FourWhoever most recently smelled a wet dog starts.
• Happy CityGive the First Player card to whoever most recently visited another city. That player starts throughout the game.
• HarbourThe player who was most recently on a boat starts.
• HardbackWhoever last used a pen takes the first turn.
• HarmoniesWhoever most recently saw a magnificent landscape goes first.
• HatsThe player who most recently ate a cookie starts the game.
• HavalandiThe player who last launched something starts the game.
• HensThe player who last went into a barnyard goes first.
• Hera and ZeusThe player who most recently visited a Greek restaurant starts. If neither player has ever visited one, the player taking Hera's role starts.
• HerbaceousThe person who most recently cooked with or planted herbs starts.
• HirobaWhoever played Sudoku most recently is the first player.
• Hit ListThe team containing the person who most recently made a list starts.
• HoneyThe player who most recently ate honey starts the game.
• HookyThe person most recently in a classroom starts. The rules also allow choosing a starter randomly.
• HorrifiedWhoever most recently ate garlic starts. Continue clockwise after each player's turn.
• Human Punishment: Social Deduction 2.0The player who most recently had computer problems starts; in a later round, the first player eliminated in the previous round may start instead.
• Humboldt's Great VoyageWhoever most recently went on a journey starts and takes the travel journal and knowledge-disk bag.
• Ice and the SkyThe person who most recently put their hands in snow takes the First Player card and plays first in the First Generation.
• ICECOOLWhoever saw a penguin most recently is the first catcher. The player to that person's left takes the first flick, and turns continue clockwise.
• IKIWith three or four players, whoever visited Japan most recently is the first month's starting player; choose randomly if nobody has visited Japan. With two players, randomly assign the Sun and Moon tokens; the Sun player starts the first month.
• In the Footsteps of DarwinWhoever traveled by ship most recently takes the Darwin token and starts. If nobody has traveled by ship, the rulebook lets the group use its preferred way of choosing a first player.
• IncubationThe player who most recently ate an egg starts and takes the First Player token.
• Indian SummerThe last person to have taken a stroll in the forest is the start player.
• INKThe player who most recently wrote or painted using ink starts and takes the first-player quill token.
• Into the BlueThe player who swam most recently starts the game.
• Inventions: Evolution of IdeasWith three or four players, whoever most recently invented something takes the first position in turn order. With two players, randomize the order of both players and Chronos.
• Ist da wer?!The person who most recently petted an animal shakes the thicket first.
• IwariWhoever traveled most recently takes the first turn.
• Juicy FruitsThe player who most recently ate a fruit starts and remains the starting player for the game. Tomato counts as a fruit.
• Junk OrbitThe player who most recently took out the garbage goes first. If nobody has done so, the rulebook suggests racing to the nearest bin to take out the garbage. Continue clockwise.
• Jurassic PartsThe person who most recently saw a dinosaur fossil starts and takes the Starting Player Marker.
• Just DessertsWhoever most recently served dessert to the group in real life goes first.
• Just WildThe last player to spot a wild animal starts the game.
• K2The player who was most recently in the mountains takes the starting player marker.
• Ka-Ching!Whoever was paid most recently starts.
• Käpt'n MemoThe player who most recently disembarked from a ship becomes captain of the first voyage.
• KawaiiWhoever most recently ate ice cream starts the first round. Card-flipping turns proceed clockwise.
• Kenny G: Keepin' It Saxy GameThe person who most recently played a musical instrument starts with the saxophone First Player Marker.
• Key to the City: LondonChoose a starting player; the rules suggest the player who most recently visited London. That player places their sailing barge on the first space of the era 1 river tile.
• Kill The UnicornsThe last player to have spotted a real unicorn becomes the first player and takes the First Player token.
• KinokoWhoever most recently picked a mushroom starts. Turns proceed clockwise.
• KoboldWhoever most recently saw a kobold goes first.
• KuZOOkAWhoever most recently visited a zoo goes first.
• La Cosa NostraThe player who most recently committed a crime starts and takes the starting-player token.
• LabyrinthWhoever most recently went on a treasure hunt starts. Turns then proceed clockwise.
• Last BastionWhoever most recently defended a person or an honorable cause takes the first turn. Continue clockwise.
• Last WillWhoever most recently paid for something receives the starting-player marker and begins the planning phase.
• LeafThe player who most recently touched a tree goes first.
• Life of the AmazoniaThe player who most recently watched a nature documentary starts.
• LisboaThe player who most recently visited Lisboa starts and takes the Starting Player marker.
• Loco MomoThe player who most recently walked in a forest starts; the group may instead choose the starter at random.
• Long CowStart with whoever most recently saw a real cow.
• Long Shot: The Dice GameThe player who most recently made a bet starts as the Active Player and takes both dice.
• Loose CabooseThe person who most recently traveled by train starts.
• Loot N RunThe player who most recently saw a B-movie mummy starts.
• Lords of WaterdeepThe player who most recently visited another city goes first and receives the First Player marker.
• Lost Cities: RivalsThe player whose birthday occurred most recently starts.
• Lost Ruins of ArnakWhoever most recently traveled somewhere they had never visited before takes the starting-player marker and starts.
• Lost SeasWhoever most recently went to sea starts and takes the first-player token.
• Love LetterEnglish 21-card bag edition · copyright 2025 (2–6 players)For the opening round, the person who most recently wrote a letter by hand starts. Turns proceed clockwise.
• Love LetterAEG English original editionThe player who most recently went on a date starts.
• Mach die FlatterThe player who last saw a parrot starts.
• Mapmaker: The Gerrymandering GameThe person who voted most recently takes the first turn.
• MaracaiboThe player who was most recently aboard a ship starts.
• MaracasThe player who most recently danced salsa, or any other Latin dance, starts as the Maraca Player.
• Marco Polo II: In the Service of the KhanThe person who most recently returned from a journey starts and takes the first-player marker.
• Marshmallow TestWhoever most recently ate something containing marshmallows deals the first round and leads its first trick.
• Mary MagicaThe player who most recently looked for something starts.
• Math RoomThe last player to ring a doorbell goes first.
• MeadowFor multiplayer games, the person most recently stung by a bee starts.
• Mech A DreamThe person who most recently dreamed about robots starts and takes the phase pawn, Sun side up.
• Meeple CircusThe player who most recently saw a circus act starts the first act.
• MegalandThe person who most recently played a video game receives the first-player token and starts.
• Meister MakatsuThe player who most recently meditated takes the Meister Makatsu figure and starts the first round.
• Memo MissionWhoever most recently read a fairy tale goes first.
• Memoarrr!The player who most recently had a volcanic or emotional outburst starts the first round.
• MemorinthThe last person to have read a fairy tale becomes the starting player and receives the starting-player card, bright side up. They take the first turn.
• Mercado de LisboaWhoever last visited a market takes the first turn.
• Merchants of MuzirisThe player who last ate a mango is the first player for the opening round.
• Millennium BladesTournament turns start with the player who placed highest in the previous tournament. In the first game round or a tie, the player who most recently opened a real booster pack starts.
• Millions of DollarsThe player who most recently watched a heist movie receives the Leader card to begin the first round.
• Minecraft: Builders & BiomesThe player who most recently found a diamond in Minecraft starts; when in doubt, the youngest player starts.
• Minecraft: Heroes of the VillageThe player who most recently tamed an animal in Minecraft starts.
• Minute RealmsWhoever most recently visited a castle is the first player.
• Mirakel MixThe player who last had a colored drink starts.
• MLEM: Space AgencyThe player who most recently cleaned the litter box starts the first space expedition. Give that player the rocket board, rocket marker, and all the dice.
• MonasteriumThe player who most recently visited a monastery starts; if no one has or no one remembers, the youngest player starts.
• Monster CafeThe most recent person to eat something disgusting starts round one.
• Monster Crunch! The Breakfast Battle GameThe person who most recently ate a real bowl of cereal starts the first round.
• MoroccoThe player who most recently traveled to Morocco starts and takes the start-player marker.
• Mosquito ShowChoose either player to start by any method you like; the rules suggest the player most recently bitten by a mosquito as an example.
• My Farm ShopThe player who most recently visited a farm starts and takes the three dice.
• My Happy FarmThe person who most recently fed their pet starts.
• My Very First Games: Nibble Munch CrunchFor the cooperative matching game What Do Animals Eat?, the player who last fed an animal starts by turning over the top animal card. For the memory game Who Eats What?, the player who last petted an animal starts by turning over a card from the center.
• MyceliaThe person who most recently saw a mushroom in the wild starts. Alternatively, draw one spore from each player from a hat and use the first one drawn.
• Mystery ExpressThe most recent person to board a real train starts and takes the miniature whistle. Play goes clockwise.
• NeovilleThe person who most recently spent time in nature starts and receives Equity tile 1.
• New York SliceThe player who most recently won any game is the first Slicer. After that player divides the pizza, their left-hand neighbor chooses the first portion.
• Next Station LondonThe person who most recently took the Underground is the controller for the first round.
• Next Station TokyoThe person who most recently took the subway is the controller for the first round.
• Ninja CampThe player who most recently visited a summer camp places a ninja first during setup; the last player to place a ninja takes the first game turn.
• Ninja DiceThe player who most recently watched a ninja movie starts as the active Ninja.
• No Thanks!Whoever said “No thanks!” most recently starts by revealing the top card.
• NomadsWhoever most recently told a story starts. Choosing a player at random is also an official option.
• OceanosThe last player to visit an aquarium becomes the first Expedition Captain.
• OctopieWhoever most recently ate pie starts. Their opening action is to draw a tile.
• OffshoreThe player who most recently filled a vehicle with diesel or gasoline starts and takes the active-player marker.
• Oh My Goods!The person who most recently worked the hardest becomes the first active player, or choose a player at random.
• On the Hunt for DinosThe player who most recently saw a T-rex begins.
• Order's Up!Whoever most recently ate pie starts.
• Outfoxed!The person who most recently ate pie starts.
• Over/UnderWhoever most recently walked under a bridge is the first question master.
• OverbookingThe player who most recently stayed in a hotel receives the starting-player marker and starts the first round.
• OverbossChoose a first player. The rulebook recommends whoever most recently raised a full legion of undead; if nobody has, choose randomly.
• PagodaWhoever last ate with chopsticks starts.
• Paint the RosesWhoever most recently watered a plant goes first.
• Panda PandaThe player who saw a panda most recently starts. Seeing one in a picture or video counts.
• Pandemic: Rapid ResponseThe player who most recently traveled by plane starts. Continue clockwise.
• Paper WorldWhoever used scissors most recently takes the first turn. Continue clockwise.
• PaperbackThe person who most recently finished reading a novel starts.
• Paranormal DetectivesThe Detective who most recently witnessed something scary takes the first turn.
• Paris: La Cité de la LumièreThe player who lost the last game of Paris starts Phase 1. For the first game of the day, the last player to switch on a light in any room starts instead.
• PARKSWhoever most recently went on a hike takes the first turn.
• PatchworkThe player who last used a needle starts.
• Penguin PartyThe player who has most recently seen a real penguin begins the first round.
• PergolaThe person who last worked in a garden starts. If nobody has, the most colorfully dressed person starts.
• Periodic: A Game of The ElementsWhoever touched calcium carbonate most recently starts.
• Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episode 1For a standalone multiplayer game of Episode 1, whoever was most recently on a boat goes first.
• Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles – Episode 2For a standalone multiplayer game of Episode 2, whoever most recently went on a nature adventure goes first.
• PetrichorThe person most recently caught in the rain starts, or select a first player by any other method.
• PiepmatzThe last player to see a songbird starts.
• PiesThe player who most recently ate a piece of pie leads the first trick.
• Pirate LegendsThe last person to travel by water starts.
• PiratissimoThe player who was most recently on a boat starts.
• PiratoonsThe player who was most recently on a boat starts as captain for the first round.
• Plague Inc.: The Board GameThe person who washed their hands most recently starts.
• PlanesThe player who most recently traveled by plane starts. The reference sheet also permits a random choice.
• Police PrecinctThe player most recently in contact with law enforcement chooses a character first. Character choice continues clockwise; the last player to choose a character receives the First Player Shield and starts.
• PollenThe person who most recently watered a plant takes the first turn.
• Pool SharksThe person who most recently went swimming starts.
• Port RoyalWhoever most recently visited a harbor goes first.
• Portal: The Uncooperative Cake Acquisition GameThe player who most recently ate cake goes first.
• Potion ExplosionWhoever most recently prepared a drink goes first. Turns proceed clockwise.
• Power VacuumThe player who most recently got an electric shock starts the first round.
• Praga Caput RegniThe person who was most recently in Prague starts, or choose a player at random.
• Push a MonsterWhoever most recently saw a monster goes first.
• PyramidoWhoever last made a sand castle starts.
• Pyramido: Forgotten TreasuresWhoever went exploring most recently starts.
• PyramidsThe last player to have seen a pyramid starts.
• QEWhoever visited a bank most recently is the first auctioneer and takes the First Auctioneer Token.
• Quacks & Co.: Quedlinburg DashWhoever most recently saw a donkey goes first.
• QuetzalWhoever explored an island most recently receives the first-player marker and places meeples first.
• Ranglin' RabbitsWhoever most recently held a rabbit starts.
• Rat-a-Tat RollThe person who most recently visited a famous monument starts.
• RebirthMighty Boards English rules, Ireland mapThe person who last visited Ireland starts.
• RebirthMighty Boards English rules, Scotland mapThe person who last visited Scotland starts.
• RebisWhoever most recently drank something with an especially unusual taste goes first.
• Reef GardensThe player who most recently went diving at a coral reef begins; otherwise choose someone at random.
• RegicideThe person who most recently committed regicide takes the first turn.
• Relic RunnersStart with whoever saw a relic most recently. If nobody in the group has ever seen a relic, use the most recent visit to a shrine or temple instead. Then take turns clockwise.
• RenatureWhoever most recently took a walk in nature starts. Turns proceed clockwise.
• ReykholtThe player who most recently purchased tomatoes starts.
• Rhino HeroThe person who did a good deed most recently starts building.
• Rise to NobilityThe player who last moved to a new apartment or house starts.
• River Valley GlassworksWhoever saw a river most recently takes the first-player marker and starts.
• Rock Hard: 1977The person who most recently sang in the shower starts, or choose a first player by any other method.
• Rococo: Deluxe EditionIn multiplayer, whoever last used a needle and thread takes the first action turn.
• Roll 'em Fold 'emThe person who most recently folded something starts and receives the two dice.
• Roll Camera!: The Filmmaking Board GameWhoever most recently filmed a movie starts. Alternatively, choose the starting player at random.
• Roll to the Top: JourneysThe player who most recently took a trip is the first active player and rolls the exploration dice. Everyone fills in their boards simultaneously using the rolled numbers.
• Rolling AmericaWhoever most recently visited another state draws and rolls the first two dice. Everyone then uses those dice simultaneously.
• Room 25The player who most recently watched a reality TV show starts.
• Rumble NationThe person who most recently visited a castle starts, or choose a player at random.
• SagradaWhoever most recently visited Barcelona goes first.
• SaltfjordWhoever most recently ate fish is the starting player.
• Santa MonicaThe player who most recently visited a beach goes first.
• Savannah ParkWhoever most recently fed an animal chooses the first animal token. All players then move their matching token simultaneously.
• Save the Treasure of Fairy TalesThe player who was most recently in a garden starts.
• Say It!Whoever most recently brushed their teeth is the first judge.
• Schotten TottenWhoever most recently traveled to Scotland, or somewhere near it, goes first.
• Schrödinger's CatsThe player who most recently watched a documentary goes first.
• Sea of CloudsThe last player to drink rum starts.
• Sea ScrollWhoever most recently went swimming takes the first turn. Play then proceeds clockwise.
• SecretsUse the rulebook's joke criterion, most recently abducted by the CIA or KGB, or choose the starter randomly. Continue clockwise.
• SeptimaIn multiplayer, whoever most recently made a mixed drink is the starting player.
• SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial IntelligenceWhoever saw a UFO most recently takes the starting-player marker and starts.
• Shadow CardsThe player who most recently had a vision leads the first trick and marks this on the score pad.
• Shake That CityWhoever most recently shook something is the first active player.
• Shifting StonesWhoever most recently read a history book takes the dark-backed Reference card and starts.
• Silver & GoldWhoever last searched for buried treasure is the first player.
• SkullThe player who most recently gave someone flowers (or a skull) is the first player.
• Skulls of SedlecThe player who most recently visited a cemetery or graveyard goes first.
• Skunk BingoWhoever most recently took a bath starts.
• Sleeping Queens 2: The RescueThe person who most recently found a lost item goes first.
• Small IslandsThe last player to have been on an island starts.
• Small World of WarcraftIn the base game, the person who last played a video game starts. Take turns clockwise from them.
• Small World UndergroundThe last person to visit a cave or cellar starts. Turns then go clockwise.
• Smash UpCheck these fantasy events in order: alien abduction, pirate press-ganging, a vampire bite, dragon burns, a princess's kiss, Cthulhu-induced madness, a teddy-bear attack, or being eaten by an orc. The most recent match to the first applicable event starts.
• Smash Up: Cease and DesistThe player who most recently borrowed something starts.
• Smash Up: Oops, You Did It AgainWhoever most recently repeated a common mistake goes first.
• Smash Up: World Tour – International IncidentThe player who most recently visited another country starts.
• SmileThe last player to have seen a firefly starts.
• Snack HappensWhoever most recently raided the fridge goes first.
• Snail Sprint!The player who most recently held a snail in their hand starts and rolls both dice.
• SnorkelingThe player who most recently went snorkeling starts.
• So ein MistWhoever most recently stepped in animal poop goes first.
• Sol: Last Days of a StarWhoever has been closest to the Sun most recently is the first player.
• Solar StormThe player most recently burned by the Sun starts, or the group can choose a starting player at random.
• SongbirdsThe last player to win any game starts.
• Sound BoxThe player who most recently listened to a song on the radio becomes the first Guesser.
• Space ExplorersThe person who most recently visited outer space starts. If nobody has, the person who most recently watched or read something about space starts.
• Space LunchFor two players, the person who last ate at a restaurant goes first.
• SpeculationWhoever most recently bought stock shares goes first.
• Spin CircusBlue Orange UK English rulesThe person who most recently saw a stage starts.
• Spin CircusBlue Orange US English rulesThe person who most recently saw an acrobat starts.
• Spirits of the ForestWhoever most recently hiked in a forest goes first.
• Splish Splash!The person who most recently went swimming starts.
• Spooky TowerUse the game's playful criterion: whoever most recently saw a ghost starts. Play then continues clockwise.
• Spring MeadowThe person who was most recently on a mountain starts.
• SqueakyThe player who most recently ate some excellent dried fruit starts the game.
• Star Trek Chrono-TrekA player whose character has more difficulty pips than every other character goes first. Otherwise, whoever most recently watched a Star Trek episode begins.
• Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark SideUse the game's playful criterion, whoever last used the Force, or let the oldest player start.
• Star Wars: Jabba's Palace – A Love Letter GameWhoever most recently rescued a friend starts the first round. Turns proceed clockwise.
• SteamRollersThe last player to have missed a train becomes the Start Player.
• StewThe player who last ate stew goes first.
• StoryLine: Fairy TalesThe player who most recently finished reading a book becomes the first Narrator.
• Subatomic: An Atom Building GameThe person who did a science experiment most recently goes first.
• Super Kawaii PetsThe player who last petted an animal starts and receives the First Player Card.
• Super MotherloadThe person who most recently dug a hole starts.
• Super PlushiesThe player who most recently helped someone starts.
• Super ToothWhoever most recently visited a museum starts.
• Super-VampireWhoever most recently met a vampire takes the first turn as the Super-Vampire. If nobody has met a real vampire, the youngest player starts.
• Survive the IslandThe last person to return safe and sound from an island is the first player.
• Sushi Go - Spin Some for Dim SumWhoever most recently ate dim sum starts.
• Switch & SignalThe person who most recently had to wait for a train is the first active player. If nobody has had to wait for one, the group decides who starts.
• SwitchbacksWhoever went hiking most recently goes first.
• SymbioseWhoever most recently saw a frog goes first.
• Take the CakeWhoever most recently finished a whole cupcake starts.
• Tales & Games: The Pied PiperChoose the player who last saw rats in a bathtub, or choose the youngest player.
• Tang GardenThe most recent visitor to China goes first. If nobody has visited, choose randomly.
• TargiThe player who most recently ate dates goes first. If neither player has ever eaten dates, the player using blue starts.
• Tawantinsuyu: The Inca EmpireWhoever harvested a vegetable most recently starts. Alternatively, use any random selection method the group chooses.
• Teeter TowerThe person who most recently rode an escalator starts.
• Tempel des SchreckensWhoever most recently found a gold treasure takes the key card and starts. If nobody has, the rules jokingly say everyone loses immediately, then offer the youngest player as an alternative starter.
• Terra MysticaWhoever most recently dug a planting bed in their own garden goes first.
• Terraforming MarsThe player who most recently won a game of Terraforming Mars takes the first player marker and starts.
• Terror BelowIn multiplayer, whoever most recently defeated a Worm in combat goes first.
• That's It!Whoever most recently played tag becomes the Reader for round one.
• The Ancient WorldRed Raven Games English first-edition rulesThe player who most recently won a game starts; the rules also allow choosing randomly.
• The Ancient WorldEnglish second-edition rulebook, ©2019 Red Raven GamesWhoever most recently won a game takes the first turn. The rules also allow choosing randomly.
• The BrigadeThe person who most recently set something on fire starts, with play proceeding clockwise.
• The Curse of the Ruby RhinoWhoever most recently saw a live rhinoceros starts.
• The Godfather: Corleone's EmpireThe player who last watched The Godfather starts, or the group can decide randomly.
• The Great Fire of London 1666The player who most recently visited London starts. Alternatively, choose a player randomly.
• The Grimm ForestThe person who most recently ate bacon receives the Starting Player token and takes the first Build turn.
• The Hanging GardensWhoever did yard work most recently takes the first-player marker and begins their garden.
• The King Is Dead: Second EditionThe most recent visitor to a castle goes first.
• The King's GuildThe player who most recently had an adventure starts.
• The Lord of the Rings: Journey to MordorWhoever most recently read The Lord of the Rings goes first.
• The Magic LabyrinthThe player who most recently got lost begins.
• The Palaces of CarraraThe last player to have visited Italy or seen a picture of Italy starts.
• The Pillars of the EarthThe player who most recently saw a cathedral starts the first round.
• The Quacks of QuedlinburgSchmidt Spiele German base-game rules, English summaryWhoever most recently cooked something is the first round's starting player.
• The Quacks of QuedlinburgSchmidt English base gameWhoever most recently cooked something is the first starting player. They hold the Fortune Teller deck and read its opening card; everyone brews potions at the same time.
• The Taverns of TiefenthalThe player who was last in a tavern starts.
• The Thing: The BoardgameThe player who most recently watched The Thing starts as the Leader.
• The Vale of EternityWhoever most recently saw a reptile goes first.
• The Voting GameThe player who most recently called their mother is the first question reader.
• The Voyages of Marco PoloThe player who most recently embarked on a voyage around the world starts.
• Thief's MarketThe player who most recently stole something starts.
• This Big!The person who most recently caught a live fish starts.
• This Game Goes to ElevenThe person who most recently listened to a guitar solo starts.
• Three of a CrimeWhoever most recently visited a police station is the first eyewitness. The detective on their left makes the first questioning play.
• Through the DesertThe person who most recently drank water goes first.
• Throw FishThe player who last saw a fish goes first.
• ThunderbirdsThe player who most recently watched the Thunderbirds TV show starts.
• TikiThe player who last ate fruit starts.
• Tiki ToppleThe person who most recently ate something coconut-flavored starts.
• Time Bomb EvolutionWhoever most recently visited London is the starting player.
• TinderbloxWhoever most recently went camping takes the first turn.
• Tiny Epic DinosaursThe person who most recently visited a natural history museum starts. The rules also allow your group to choose another method.
• Tiny Epic KingdomsWhoever most recently swung a sword goes first. Choosing the first player randomly is also an official option.
• Tiny Epic QuestThe player who most recently took part in a scavenger hunt starts. Your group may instead agree who receives the First Player Token.
• Tiny Epic VikingsThe player who most recently set foot on an island takes the first action turn.
• Tiny Epic WesternWhoever most recently saw a horse starts as Dealer and places the first Posse Token. Random selection is also an official option.
• Tiny Epic ZombiesThe person who most recently visited a mall goes first. The rules also allow your group to choose its own method.
• Tiny ParkThe player who most recently rode a roller coaster begins.
• Tiny TownsWhoever most recently built something in real life receives the Master Builder hammer and names the first resource. Everyone then places that resource simultaneously.
• TipperaryThe player who most recently saw a living sheep takes the cloth bag and spins the wheel first. The rules also allow the group to choose the bag holder randomly.
• TobagoThe person who most recently visited an island starts.
• Topp die Torte!Everyone chooses a cake piece simultaneously. For phase 2, placing the pieces, whoever most recently ate a piece of cake begins the first and every later round.
• Toss Your CookiesThe person who most recently ate a home-baked cookie starts.
• TouriaThe player most eager to get married starts; the rules alternatively suggest whoever got married most recently.
• TrainsThe player who most recently traveled by train starts.
• TrambahnThe player who most recently used a tram starts.
• Trans-Siberian RailroadThe person who most recently visited Russia opens the initial auction, unless the group agrees on another method.
• Trekking the National Parks: Second EditionWhoever most recently visited a national park goes first.
• Trekking the WorldWhoever most recently went to an airport goes first.
• TrellisThe last person to water a plant, or the winner of the previous game, starts.
• Trial by TrolleyWhoever last pondered murder starts as the Conductor.
• TrioWhoever most recently ate avocado goes first. Continue clockwise.
• TrismegistusWhoever made a potion most recently starts.
• Trismegistus: The Ultimate FormulaFor the introductory game, choose randomly or let the most experienced player start. Standard setup instead names the last player to perform an alchemical transmutation, with random selection as an alternative.
• TroyesThe player who last read a history book starts.
• TucanoWhoever last ate some fruit starts.
• TulpenfieberWhoever most recently gave someone flowers starts and takes tulip field I.
• TunedWhoever attended a concert most recently starts.
• Tussie MussieThe player who most recently smelled a flower starts.
• Tzolk'in: The Mayan CalendarThe player who most recently sacrificed something receives the starting-player marker.
• Unicorn Glitterluck: A Party for RosalieThe player who most recently dreamed about a unicorn may begin.
• Unicorn Glitterluck: Cloud CrystalsWhoever saw a rainbow most recently starts by rolling the blue cloud die.
• Valley of the KingsWhoever most recently visited a museum goes first.
• Veggie GardenThe person who last ate fresh vegetables starts.
• VersoThe player who went on a journey most recently takes the first turn.
• ViennaQueen Games English rules, Stefan Feld City Collection 5Whoever was most recently in Vienna takes the city crest and is first player; the rulebook also allows whoever was closest to Vienna.
• ViennaSchmidt Spiele English rules, Johannes Schmidauer-König editionThe last person to have visited Vienna takes the start card (clock) and begins the game.
• Village GreenIn multiplayer, whoever watered a plant most recently goes first.
• Villages of ValeriaChoose the starting player however you wish. The main setup suggests the person who most recently built something; the quick reference says to choose at random.
• Viva CatrinaWhoever most recently received flowers as a gift goes first.
• WakandaThe last player to utter a war cry starts.
• Walking in BuranoThe player who most recently traveled abroad starts. The rules also permit choosing a random starter.
• Whozit?Whoever most recently solved a mystery is the Clue Giver for round one.
• Wild SpaceWhoever most recently saw an animal starts.
• Wilson & ShepWhoever most recently saw a sheep plays Wilson in the first round. Wilson makes the first swapping move; the person on their left makes Shep's first move.
• Wonder BookWhoever most recently spotted a dragon takes the Chapter deck and reads its first card aloud.
• Wonder WoodsThe person who most recently went mushroom picking starts and takes the first-player token.
• Wonderland's WarThe person who most recently had tea begins the first round.
• WordCraftWhoever most recently mixed ingredients of any kind starts the first round. Turns then proceed clockwise.
• WormholesThe player who most recently went through a doorway starts. The rules also allow choosing randomly.
• YokohamaThe player who most recently visited Yokohama starts; if that does not determine a player, choose one by any preferred method.
• Zombie 15'The player who most recently ate raw meat starts.
• Zombies!!!The player who most recently saw a zombie movie starts.
• Zoo VadisThe person who most recently visited a zoo starts, or choose a player at random.

Each answer is our reviewed summary of the cited edition’s published rules. Sources include rulebooks and official online references. Open a game for its source and setup details. Or pick a starting player at random.

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