تعریف و معنای "ante"

What is an "ante"?

An ante is a small, forced bet that all players are required to contribute at the start of a poker hand, before any cards are dealt. It ensures there is money in the pot and encourages players to participate in the game. Unlike the blinds, which are posted by specific players, an ante is typically placed by every player at the table. Ante bets are common in games like stud poker or some tournament formats. After the ante is placed, the game continues with the dealing of cards, and a round of betting follows.