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

If he draw an eight, which will make just fifteen, he, as being eldest hand, is sure of winning the game.

From Enquire Within Upon Everything The Great Victorian Domestic Standby by Anonymous

There are thus six things the eldest hand may do after he has examined his cards, and in showing what the eldest hand can do we have explained what the various calls are.

From Hoyle's Games Modernized by Hoffmann, Louis

If the dealer's partner pass the declaration to the dealer, the eldest hand may demand: I. That there shall be a new deal.

From Hoyle's Games Modernized by Hoffmann, Louis

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

From Games For All Occasions by Blain, Mary E.

Should the eldest hand pass, the second hand may pass, assist, or play alone; in either of the last two cases the dealer 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