tenuki

Tenuki is an actual move played in another area of the board while the opponent’s previous local move remains unanswered. The player deliberately leaves the immediate exchange, accepting that the opponent may continue there. This choice can take a larger or more urgent move, preserve the initiative, or make use of the timing of the local position.

Tenuki is not passing, since a move is played elsewhere. Nor is it simply overlooking the opponent’s move: it is a deliberate strategic decision. The risk is that a premature tenuki may allow the opponent to seize sente, strengthen the local position, or launch a decisive attack or cut.