Board Game Arena

I love all the game stats BGA provides, but I'd love to see data on % wins that are by 1st player vs 2nd. My own experience is that the privilege given to the second player creates a pretty balanced game, but I'd be curious to see what difference there is statically, if any.

Hi there,

Being the first player to play is a huge advantage.
From my experience, I would say that the first player is winning between 60 and 65% of the time.
But only BGA could look at the real stats.

Unless they're playing against you, and then they lose 88% of the time! You're a pro!

I strangely prefer being second because i can use privilege to take a gem, then do whatever i want on the board. Can either take gold or 3 stones wherever i want. As 1st player you're a bit forced to take gem with stone around it and sometimes they are less interesting.

I don't know if it's best strategy but people here highly value card that cost 3 stone and bring a crown, as second player you can privilege gem + gold to reserve one of though card.

The interresting stat would be winrate percentage of 1st/2nd player on top 5% of player, because beginners can kill the stat by make it a bit random.

For me, it really depends on what is dealt on the board.

For example, if it's got a 3 stone crown card, I would prefer to go first so I can reserve it. However, if my opponent does that, then I get 2 pinks. So from there, I look at how many cards are on the board require pinks. This is also complicated when there are two 3 stone golds dealt on the board.


This is the moment where you need to make a decision which direction your going in, and that simply comes from experience playing.

If non of those options, are looking good on the board, then I try to take tokens and force my opponent to buy a card first because there is a high chance of a 3 stone gold flipping and then I can reserve or buy it.

So overall, I dont think the advantage lays so much in the game, but rather the player. Both can be advantages (or not) depending on how you approach the game strategy wise.

I’m a bit confused by the distinction you guys seem to be making between “gems” and “stones”. What are “stones”?

I only know of “gems” (of different colors), “pearls”, and “gold”.