The crossword solution for the term PLAY TO PAY is ANTE, which is a four-letter word. Ante is a Latin word meaning 'BEFORE' and is used in many contexts, including poker. In poker, an ante is a forced bet that all players must make BEFORE the start of a hand. This is done to ensure that there is money in the pot for the winner. The phrase 'play to pay' is often used to refer to the idea that one must put in effort in order to receive a reward.