Growing numbers in the capital Honiara are playing the street card game Pass for a chance of a big payout, while risking big losses
As the school day ends in Honiara, *Irene, a 43-year-old teacher in a floral dress with a yellow daisy in her bun, steps on to a minibus.
After 10 minutes, Irene gets off the bus, walks down an alley, and enters a damp, smoky shelter. Plastic tables fill the space and playing cards are scattered on the floor. Irene has stopped by a hidden gambling table in a western suburb of Honiara to play Pass, a street card game gaining popularity in the Solomon Islands capital.
There are dozens of these games dotted across the city, with new sites appearing regularly. Authorities are trying to stamp out the games as Solomon Islanders – young, old, low-income or salaried professionals – are drawn to Pass for their chance at a big payout, while risking big losses.
Dealers attract players by shouting out the price of the bet: “$20 down!” Players are dealt seven cards, and the dealer tables a number six card. The first player must put down a five or a seven, and the pattern continues, with each player having to play the next sequential card. If they can’t, they yell “pass!” The first person to get rid of all their cards wins.
