From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Troyes?
Pearl Games / Z-Man Games English rules, 2012

The player who last read a history book starts.
Rule details
Give that player the Start Player card. The initial citizen placement goes clockwise in the first pass, counterclockwise in the second, and alternates thereafter. The card passes left after each round.
Source & edition
- Troyes: English rulebookPearl Games / Z-Man Games · Setup; End of the Round; credits · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: II, VII, VIII
Image: © Pearl Games / Z-Man Games / Alexandre Roche · Pearl Games / Z-Man Games (box image via Board Game Bliss)
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
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