Noun

A mandatory bet from all players that is paid before any cards are dealt or viewed. Most common in stud games, though sometimes required in addition to blinds for community card games.

EXAMPLE: "By the end of the night I was so poor I couldn't even afford the ante."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

Verb

To contribute money to the pot prior to being dealt cards; to ante up.

EXAMPLE: "Who forgot to ante?"

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

Noun

The total amount of money contributed as part of the mandatory ante betting.

EXAMPLE: "There wasn't much betting on that hand, but at least I won the ante."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

Noun

Uncommon usage. In games with Ante and Straddle, an initial bet before viewing one's cards, required only of the player directly to the left of the dealer; equivalent to a blind.

EXAMPLE: "After taking my turn paying the ante, I decided to stick around a few more games since I could see my cards without paying more."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

SYNONYMS: Blind

RELATED TERMS: Big Blind, Small Blind

Noun

Uncommon usage. In Ante and Straddle games, the player sitting in the ante position.

EXAMPLE: "The ante folded."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues