I have noticed this in many games before, and recently noticed it on this very board...
The instructions dictate that the oldest player plays first. This is rather arbitrary, maybe even random, but certainly not equitable.
Any thoughts on this? Is it so dificult to say "Determine by some random method who plays first," or even spell it out "roll the dice, high roll plays first."
???
- Seth
Perhaps one reason that German rules sometimes note that the youngest (or oldest) player should go first has something to do with seat advantage. For example, in Tigris & Euphrates I've heard it's a slight advantage to go earlier in the turn order because it increases your chance of getting an extra turn. In Germany where gaming is a family pastime it is probably not uncommon to see a wide age range at the gaming table--adult to teenager. Perhaps explicitly naming youngest player is an attempt to seat the weakest player in the advantage seat and, perhaps, naming the oldest players is an attempt at putting the wisest player in the disadvantage seat--remember in some games it is better to go first (T&E) and in others (Mexica) it is better to go last.