The term 'PART OF A POKER POT' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: ANTE (4 letters) and IOU (3 letters). An ante is a forced bet that all players must make before the start of a hand in poker. It is used to create an initial pot for players to win. An IOU, or 'I Owe You, ' is a written promise to pay back a debt. In poker, it is often used as a substitute for cash when a player does not have enough money to cover their bet.