Poker hand

The word hand in the game of poker is used to mean any of the following:

1. The set of cards held by an individual player during play. Joe took another look at his hand when Virginia raised. The term holding can be used for less ambiguity.
2. The value of a player's hand(1), as determined by the rules of the game being played. (see Poker/Hands) Karen's hand was a flush, but lost to Steve's full house. The term hand value can be used for less ambiguity.
3. A single instance of poker game play, also called a deal. We played eight hands of draw poker, then eight hands of stud poker.