The term 'A POT START' can be solved by the crossword solutions ANTED (5 letters), ANTE (4 letters) and TEA (3 letters). ANTED is a verb meaning to make a demand for payment or an offer of money before a game or other activity begins. ANTE is a noun meaning a stake put up in a card game before the deal. TEA is a beverage made by steeping dried leaves or buds of the TEA plant in hot water. Together, these three words form the phrase 'A POT START, ' which is a phrase used to describe the beginning of a poker game when players put money into the pot.