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

If after the deal has been completed, and before the trump declaration has been made, either the dealer or his partner expose a card from his hand, the eldest hand may claim a new deal.

From Hoyle's Games Modernized by Louis Hoffmann

If the dealer's partner make the trump declaration without receiving permission from the dealer, the eldest hand may demand: I. That the declaration so made shall stand.

From Hoyle's Games Modernized by Louis Hoffmann

The eldest hand has the king of clubs, the king of hearts, the ace and seven of diamonds, and the ten of spades.

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

If, being eldest hand, you hold either ace, king, or queen of trumps, without the knave or ten, play them immediately, as, by this means, you may chance to win the knave or ten.

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

“Bridge,”—when the score of the eldest hand is four to one or four to two in his favor.

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