eldest hand

American  

Or elder hand

noun

Cards.

1. the player on the dealer's left.

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Etymology

Origin of eldest hand

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

eldest hand

The eldest hand, i.e. the player on the dealer's left, has the first call.

From Hoyle's Games Modernized by Hoffmann, Louis

The trump card having been turned, the eldest hand may pass, order up, or play alone; in either of the last two cases the third hand may take it from him and play alone.

From The Laws of Euchre As adopted by the Somerset Club of Boston, March 1, 1888 by Leeds, Herbert Corey

Age.—The eldest hand, i.e. the player to the left of the dealer. 

From Round Games with Cards A Practical Treatise on All the Most Popular Games, with Their Different Variations, and Hints for Their Practice by Peel, W. H.

Should the eldest hand lead before the discard is completed, the lead stands, and the dealer can change his discard if he wishes.

From The Laws of Euchre As adopted by the Somerset Club of Boston, March 1, 1888 by Leeds, Herbert Corey

The eldest hand has the best position to play a lone hand, and the dealer the next best.

From The Laws of Euchre As adopted by the Somerset Club of Boston, March 1, 1888 by Leeds, Herbert Corey