Empty column header in table using github markdown?

Question

Currently trying to format a table using github markdown. Would like to have something like:

       | col1 | col2
    -- | ---- | ----
    r1 |  r2  |  r3 

However markdown is forcing me to place text in the first column for the table to render. Any thoughts on how I could maintain an empty first column header?

Answer 1

So as this question can be marked as solved, I'll put JB Nizet comment below:

You could just use  . That would add a non-breaking space (which is not strictly empty, but is at least invisible). Or you can start your heading row with a | (not sure it's supposed to work, but it does).