Stand Pat
To stand pat is to keep your hand as it is in a draw game, without drawing any new cards. A player who stands pat either believes his hand is already best or wants to look as if it is.
The simple explanation
In five-card draw, you can replace some of your cards after the first round of betting. If you keep all five, you stand pat. It shows strength, but it may also be a bluff.
A closer look
Standing pat gives opponents information: they know you did not need cards. A stand-pat hand is usually a straight, a flush or better, so many players fold if you raise. A bluff of standing pat works only against opponents who give it credit. The term is also used in everyday speech for refusing to change your mind.
A practical example
In five-card draw, a player holds a flush and does not draw. He stands pat.
Full explanation
To stand pat is to keep your hand as it is in a draw game, without drawing any new cards. A player who stands pat either believes his hand is already best or wants to look as if it is.
To stand pat means to keep your whole hand in a draw game.
It signals strength.
It can also be a bluff.
The phrase is also used in everyday language.