Start of a count-off

EENIE

Think of the first word in a playful rhyme used to choose someone, often heard before "meenie" in children's games.

This clue refers to the opening word of the classic children’s counting rhyme "Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo," often used to start a count-off in games. The answer is simply the first word of that phrase, "EENIE," which is a playful and recognizable way to begin counting. It’s a cultural reference many people know from childhood, making the clue straightforward once you recall the rhyme.