Pass [Meaning] - MasterTerms.com

Pass

Pass in poker refers to the action of choosing not to bet or raise when it is a player‘s turn to act.

In poker, a player may choose to pass their turn instead of placing a bet or increasing the stakes. This decision can indicate a lack of confidence in one’s hand or a strategy to conserve chips for future betting rounds. Passing does not affect the current pot but can signal to other players about the strength of a player’s hand. In certain formats, such as tournaments, passing can be a strategic choice to avoid confrontation when holding a weak hand or to wait for a more favorable opportunity.

Pass Example

For example, in a game of Texas Hold’em, a player with a weak hand, such as a 2 and a 7 off-suit, might decide to pass when the action reaches them, allowing other players to continue betting without committing any of their chips.