Reviewed crossword explanation · 4 letters
Poker payment crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 18, 2026
Answer
ANTE
Why ANTE fits
An ante is the compulsory opening contribution in many poker games, so it is literally a payment made before play begins.
Clue signal
The clue uses a concise noun-for-noun definition.
ANTE meaning
A stake put into the pot by a player before cards are dealt.
See ANTE meaning and common clue patterns →
This independently written explanation is for learning and clue analysis. It is not an official answer key from a crossword publisher.