An ante is a fixed amount each player adds to the pot before the cards are dealt. It differs from the blinds, which are posted by only two players. Antes are common in later stages of poker tournaments and in some stud and draw games. Because everyone pays, antes encourage players to compete for the pot rather than wait only for the strongest hands. In some casino games, such as Ante and Play style table games, the word means the first required bet of a round.
Example
In a 6 player game with an ante of 1 unit, the pot holds 6 units before any cards are dealt.