In Caribbean Stud, what is the ante?

• A. A discretionary tip to the dealer
• B. A side bet option after seeing cards
• C. A non-mandatory entry fee
• D. An initial mandatory bet required before any cards are dealt

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that the ante is the initial money you must put in before any cards are dealt. In Caribbean Stud, every player pays this mandatory stake upfront to join the hand, and it funds the pot from which winnings are paid. It isn’t a tip, nor a discretionary or optional bet—it's required to start the round. After the ante is in, you’ll receive your cards and proceed with the rest of the betting options as dictated by the game rules.