Payment before a deal is made WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh Date: DEC 4, 2025 Follow on Google

Crossword Answer

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Hint 1

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Hint 2

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Hint 3

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Q1.

What is the most likely answer for the crossword clue "Payment before a deal is made"?

The most common and recent 4-letter answer for "Payment before a deal is made" is ANTE.

Q2.

Why is "ANTE" the answer to the clue "Payment before a deal is made"?

In card games like poker, an 'ante' is a mandatory bet placed by all players before the deal begins. The clue uses 'payment' to imply a form of money or stake, and 'before a deal is made' connects to the timing of placing an ante before the cards are dealt.

Q3.

In which puzzle was the clue "Payment before a deal is made" last seen?

This clue was last seen in the WSJ Crossword on December 04, 2025.

Q4.

What does the word "ANTE" mean in this context?

An ante is a stake placed by players before the start of a round in games like poker.

Q5.

What are some other crossword clues that share the same answer?

Initial cost, Poker player's buy-in, Buy-in at the start of a poker hand, First chip in the hand, Kitty feed

The clue “Payment before a deal is made” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated December 4 2025, the definitive 4-letter answer is: ANTE.

Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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