Ante
A small forced bet every player at the table posts before the deal, on top of the blinds. Common in tournaments from the middle stages on; many events now use a single big-blind ante posted by one player per orbit.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ante in poker?
A small forced bet contributed before the hand, traditionally by every player at the table. It seeds the pot so there is something to play for, which is the same job the blinds do in Hold'em.
When are antes used?
Stud games use antes instead of blinds. Hold'em tournaments add an ante on top of the blinds from a certain level onwards, to accelerate the structure — most modern events use a big blind ante, where one player posts the whole amount for the table.
How do antes change strategy?
They make every pot bigger relative to the stacks, so stealing becomes more profitable and folding costs more. Once antes are in play, opening ranges widen and short stacks are forced to act sooner — which is exactly why the structure includes them.