Crossword Genius

Is such a room for poker? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ante

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'room for poker?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'is such a' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'te' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ante that I've seen before include "'Behind, before (4)'" , "Gaming stake" , "Each player's initial contribution to the pot" , "Player's stake in poker - a ten? (anag)" , "Money put at risk" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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