From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in The Voyages of Marco Polo?

Z-Man Games English rules, 2015

The Voyages of Marco Polo original Z-Man Games English box

The player who most recently embarked on a voyage around the world starts.

Rule details

Give that player the hourglass. In later rounds, the last player to choose Travel becomes the new start player; if nobody traveled, the start player stays the same.

Source & edition

All 4 Z-Man Games / Hans im Glück starting rules

Image: © Z-Man Games / box artist · 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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