Who goes first in Days of Wonder games?
15 starting-player rules checked against Days of Wonder sources. Open an answer for its edition and cited passage.
- Cargo NoirWhoever last visited a port in real life starts and takes the first-player marker. Turns proceed clockwise.
- Cleopatra and the Society of ArchitectsThe rules give the first turn to the player with the best Egyptian credentials; otherwise, start with the youngest player. Play continues clockwise.
- Five Tribes: The Djinns of NaqalaRandomly place the turn markers on the Bid Order track. The marker in position 1 bids first; after bidding, the highest bid takes the first action turn.
- Heat: Pedal to the MetalThere is no permanent first player. After the simultaneous opening steps of a round, resolve the remaining steps starting with the car furthest ahead in the race and continuing in race position order.
- Memoir '44The scenario's briefing notes name which side plays first; that side's player begins by playing a command card (in Pegasus Bridge, the Allies). Players then alternate turns.
- Mystery ExpressThe most recent person to board a real train starts and takes the miniature whistle. Play goes clockwise.
- 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.
- Shadows over CamelotThe player playing King Arthur starts. If King Arthur is not in play, the youngest player starts.
- Small WorldWhoever has the pointiest ears takes the first turn. Continue clockwise around the table.
- 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.
- Ticket to RideThe most experienced traveler takes the first turn.
- Ticket to Ride: EuropeDays of Wonder English 15th Anniversary rules, copyright 2004–2021Start with the player who has visited the greatest number of European countries during their lifetime, then continue clockwise.
- Ticket to Ride: EuropeDays of Wonder refreshed English rulesThe group chooses its own method for deciding who starts. Continue clockwise from that player.
- Ticket to Ride: Nordic CountriesThe most experienced traveler goes first. Play then proceeds clockwise.
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.
