Quickly and fairly select the starting player for in-person board and party games
Quickly and fairly select the starting player for in-person board and party games
Vote (3 votes)
Program license Free
Developer Marcel Nijman
Version 1.1
Works under Android
Vote
(3 votes)
Developer
Marcel Nijman
Works under
Android
Program license
Free
Version
1.1
Pros
- Very easy to use with no setup required
- Quick, fair, and impartial selection process
- Lightweight and has no ads
- Works offline; no permissions or accounts needed
Cons
- Player limit depends on device’s multi-touch support
- Designed only for in-person play
- No additional features beyond selecting a starting player
Handy in-person tool for fairly choosing who plays first at game night.
Purpose and Concept
Start Player Selector offers a practical solution for board game fans struggling with the perennial question: “Who goes first?” Designed for in-person use, this free Android app helps groups quickly and impartially determine the starting player, eliminating the need for house rules or coin flips.
Interface and Ease of Use
A defining feature of Start Player Selector is its remarkable simplicity. The interface is minimal: all participants need to do is place their fingers on the device’s screen. After a brief countdown, the app randomly chooses one participant—highlighting their finger with a visual cue to indicate the starter. No setup, account, or configuration is necessary. This straightforward approach ensures swift results and allows anyone, regardless of age or tech proficiency, to use the app without fuss.
Player Support and Device Compatibility
The app supports 2 to 6 players per round, dictated by your device’s screen size and multi-touch capability. Many modern devices comfortably handle this range, but older phones may cap out at four fingers. This factor is worth checking, especially if your game group is large. There’s no network requirement, and everything happens right on the device, making it a great choice for offline, in-person gatherings.
Fairness and Randomness
Start Player Selector’s randomization appears reliable, separating it from methods that might introduce bias. There are no patterns or favoritism—each selection is different and independent, supporting a fair start to your board or card games.
Limitations
While the app shines during face-to-face sessions, it isn’t suitable for remote play. Groups wanting online selection will need alternative solutions. Additionally, its function is strictly limited to player selection—there are no additional utilities, settings, or advanced features for further customization.
Practical Uses and Suitability
This app is perfect for game enthusiasts, family gatherings, or children’s playdates, especially where impartiality matters. Its speed and clarity help keep the energy high and reduce delays between setting up a game and getting started.
Pros
- Very easy to use with no setup required
- Quick, fair, and impartial selection process
- Lightweight and has no ads
- Works offline; no permissions or accounts needed
Cons
- Player limit depends on device’s multi-touch support
- Designed only for in-person play
- No additional features beyond selecting a starting player