Cryptic crossword clue
Competes fiercely after commencement of game 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word CRAPS

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
R
A
P
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "game" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case game = craps.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does CRAPS mean?

CRAPS noun
  1. A game of gambling, or chance, where the players throw dice to make scores and avoid crap.
CRAPS noun
  1. The husk of grain; chaff.
  2. (mildly) Something worthless or of poor quality; junk.
  3. (mildly) Nonsense; something untrue.
  4. (mildly) Faeces/feces.
  5. (mildly) An act of defecation.
CRAPS noun
  1. A losing throw of 2, 3, or 12 in craps.
CRAPS verb
  1. To defecate.
  2. To defecate in or on (clothing etc.).
  3. To bullshit.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations