Poker has its own language, from basic terms such as blinds and position to concepts including ICM, blockers and range advantage. Use the Poker Type terminology guide to search poker terms, browse the alphabet or quickly understand the phrases players, commentators and strategy writers use every day.
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Published: September 28, 2026
Updated: September 28, 2026
Updated: September 28, 2026
Poker Terms A–Z
Ante
A forced contribution paid by players before a hand begins, usually in tournaments. Antes create extra money in the pot before cards are dealt and encourage players to contest more hands.
Example
In a tournament with 500/1,000 blinds and a 1,000 big blind ante, the big blind posts 2,000 total: 1,000 as the blind and 1,000 as the ante.