The term 'STARTED A HAND' is a phrase used in the card game of poker. It refers to the beginning of a round of betting, when the first two cards are dealt to each player. The crossword solutions for this term are ANTED (5 letters), DEALT (5 letters), and DEALTOUT (8 letters). ANTED is a verb meaning to make a bet before the cards are dealt. DEALT is a verb meaning to distribute cards to each player. DEALTOUT is a verb meaning to distribute all the cards to each player.