One player to a hand is an important poker rule designed to promote fair play that is universally applied in casino play. It states that all game decisions about the play of each hand must be made by one player without assistance. This means, for example, that a player may not ask for advice from any other player or non-player during the play of the hand, nor should anyone offer such advice. The phrase is often used as a warning to players making what might be perceived as minor violations, such as commenting upon other players' possible hands.
Note that reading properly exposed hands of other players at showdown is not a violation of this rule, since no further decisions can be made. See Cards speak.
Famous quotes containing the words player and/or hand:
“Between the daylight gambler and the player at night there is the same difference that lies between a careless husband and the lover swooning under his lady’s window.”
—Honoré De Balzac (1799–1850)
“I think I could . . .
if I’d been different, or wise, or calm,
I think I could have charmed the table,
the stained dish or the hand of the dealer.
But it’s done.
It’s all used up.”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)