diff --git a/lib/ansible/playbook/__init__.py b/lib/ansible/playbook/__init__.py
index dc5455afa70..9b39e2f3225 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/playbook/__init__.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/playbook/__init__.py
@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ class PlayBook(object):
             # do N forks all the way through before moving to next
             while len(all_hosts) > 0:
                 play_hosts = []
-                for x in range(1, play.serial):
+                for x in range(play.serial):
                     if len(all_hosts) > 0:
                         play_hosts.append(all_hosts.pop())
                 serialized_batch.append(play_hosts)