It's just for openers
I believe the answer is:
ante
'it's just for openers' 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 "Initial contribution to the common pot" , "'Behind, before (4)'" , "Stake (that may be upped?)" , "Advance stake" , "expected from stake" .)