Play Over
To play over is to play in a seat when its occupant is absent. A player may take over the hand or the seat for a short time.
The simple explanation
If a player leaves the table for a moment, someone else may play his hand, if the rules allow. This is playing over.
A closer look
The rule varies. In some home games, a friend may play a hand for the absent player. In casinos, playing another player's hand is generally not allowed. The room has a policy for absent players: the blinds may be posted, and the hand is folded.
A practical example
A player steps away, and a friend plays the hand for him in a home game.
Full explanation
To play over is to play in a seat when its occupant is absent. A player may take over the hand or the seat for a short time.
To play over is to play in an absent player’s seat.
It depends on the rules.
Casinos usually forbid it.
The absent player’s hand is usually folded.