Related Clues:

• It's for openers
• At times it's upped
• It may precede a stroke
• Poker stake
• Ask for a hand?
• It's a starter
• Wager
• Duffer's cry
• Driver's alert
• Put in the pot
• Start to date?
• Hacker's cry
• Stud fee?
• Prepay, with 'up'
• A few chips, perhaps