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'''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 any assistance. This means, for example, that a player may not ask for advice from any other players or observers during the play of the hand, nor should anyone offer such an advice.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.pokernews.com/news/2007/2/tournament-directors-association-new-poker-rules.htm| title = Tournament Directors Association Announces New Poker Rules}}</ref>  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 any player correcting an error on a declared holding once the hands are exposed, is not a violation of this rule since no further decisions can be made. Some rulebooks declare it an ethical obligation of a player to point out any error in the awarding of a pot or the reading of hands shown down.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.cardplayer.com/rules-of-poker| title = Cardplayer.com: Rules of Poker, Showdown}}</ref>

== Purpose and scope ==
The rule serves three main objectives:

* '''Preventing collusion and “rail coaching”.''' Outside advice gives an unfair edge and undermines the game’s individual nature.
* '''Maintaining competitive integrity.''' Decisions—betting, folding, reading hands—must reflect the player’s own skill and judgment.
* '''Avoiding information asymmetry.''' Unauthorised commentary may reveal hidden cards or strategic intent to some opponents but not others, compromising fairness.<ref name=":0" />

== Practical application ==

* '''In‑hand conduct.''' Players may not seek hand‑reading help, ask for odds, or reveal their holdings to gain advice. Dealers routinely remind the table—one player to a hand, please—if conversation drifts toward strategy.
* '''Showdown exception.''' Once all remaining hands are tabled and no further betting decisions exist, any player or dealer may correct an error in reading exposed cards; at that point the restriction no longer applies, superseded by the “[[Cards speak]]” principle.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Distinguishing Between OPTAH and 'Cards Speak' - Card Player Poker Magazine - Jun 14, 2006 |url=https://www.cardplayer.com/cardplayer-poker-magazines/37-pechanga-resort-casino-15-15/articles/12699-distinguishing-between-optah-and-39-cards-speak-39 |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=Card Player |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Online poker ==
In Internet rooms the rule is built into [[software]] (no visible hole cards) but still applies to [[Voice chat in online gaming|voice chat]] and screen‑sharing. Operators treat proven violations as collusion and may confiscate funds or suspend accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What does One Player to a Hand mean? • Americas Cardroom |url=https://www.americascardroom.eu/how-to/poker-terms/one-player-to-a-hand/ |access-date=2025-07-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Cards speak]]

==Notes==
<references/>

[[Category:Poker terminology]]
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