From the source rules

Who goes first in Volcano?

Looney Labs English Fiesta Caldera variant, official Dized reference

Pyramid Arcade cover for the included Volcano Fiesta Caldera variant

Whoever has traveled closest to molten lava goes first. The rules also suggest choosing randomly as an alternative.

Rule details

The comparison is closeness to molten lava, rather than the most recent volcano visit.

A turn can include multiple cap moves, ending when an eruption occurs. Under this setup, the opening move cannot capture more than one piece.

This reference identifies its rules as the Fiesta Caldera version of Volcano, with a central empty space and eight translucent pyramid colors. It differs from the original game's setup and victory condition.

Source & edition

  • Volcano: Who StartsLooney Labs, official Dized rules · Who Starts section of the official English online reference · Checked 2026-09-23
  • Volcano: Moving CapsLooney Labs, official Dized rules · Moving Caps section of the official English online reference · Checked 2026-09-23
  • Volcano: EquipmentLooney Labs, official Dized rules · Equipment section of the official English online reference · Checked 2026-09-23
  • Volcano: SetupLooney Labs, official Dized rules · Setup section of the official English online reference · Checked 2026-09-23
  • Volcano: Historical NotesLooney Labs, official Dized rules · Historical Notes section of the official English online reference · Checked 2026-09-23

Image: © Looney Labs · Looney Labs, via publisher-verified Dized rules

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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