eldest hand

or elder hand

noun

, Cards.

First recorded in 1590–1600

The eldest hand leads any card he chooses and all must follow suit if able, the penalty for a revoke being the loss of the game.

Eldest hand has two small trumps, queen of hearts, and queen and seven of spades.

After the deal the players bid for the trump in turn, commencing with the eldest hand.

The eldest hand begins the game by playing a card in one of three ways.

Should the eldest hand lead without asking permission, his partner may double, but only if the maker of the trump consent.

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