Gambling Guide

In poker, the one player to a hand rule is an important principle of fair play, and universal rule of 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 unsolicited. 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: Frank: Gina, you think your flush is higher than Nick's? Nick: Hey, one player to a hand, Frank.

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.

See also

• Public cardroom rules (poker)