Crossword Genius

Deal preceder (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ante

'deal preceder' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for ante that I've seen before include "Advance stake" , "Initial contribution to the common pot" , "Stake (that may be upped?)" , "early payment" , "Money for poker" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times and the Newsday.
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