Ante

An ante is a mandatory bet that all players must make before the start of a hand. Unlike blinds which are only paid by specific positions, antes are required from every player at the table. They are typically smaller than the big blind and are designed to create action by building the pot before any cards are dealt.

Key Points

• Required from all players before cards are dealt
• Typically smaller than the big blind
• Common in tournaments, especially in later stages
• Creates larger pots and more action

Strategic Impact

• Increases the cost of playing each hand
• Makes stealing blinds more profitable
• Forces more aggressive play
• Changes optimal starting hand requirements

Understanding how antes affect pot odds and adjusting your strategy accordingly is crucial for success in poker games that use them. They're particularly important in tournament play, where they often increase as the tournament progresses, forcing players to adapt their strategy throughout the event.