Ante
An ante is a small forced bet from every player before the cards are dealt.
The simple explanation
An ante is a small forced bet that every player puts into the pot before the cards are dealt. Antes make sure there is always something to win. They are used in many tournaments in the later levels, in stud games and in some cash games.
A closer look
Unlike blinds, which are paid by two players, the ante is paid by every player. The extra money in the pot makes stealing more attractive and changes the pot odds: the more you can win, the more hands are worth playing. In tournaments, antes begin at a certain level and rise with the blinds. A newer method is the big blind ante, in which one player pays for everyone.
A practical example
At a table with a 1-chip ante and six players, 6 chips are in the pot before any cards are dealt.
Full explanation
An ante is a small forced bet from every player before the cards are dealt.
An ante is a forced bet that all players must place before the cards are dealt. It makes sure there is a minimum amount in the pot.
It is paid by every player at the table, unlike the blinds. Antes are usually a small fraction of the minimum bet.
Because the pot is larger, the ante encourages players to play more hands. In tournaments antes appear in later levels.
Related terms are ante up, big blind ante and auto ante.