The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word JACKS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
J
A
C
K
S
More clues leading to the result JACKS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Game/cards" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case game/cards = jacks.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 JACKS mean?
JACKS noun- A coarse mediaeval coat of defence, especially one made of leather.
- A man.
- A device or utensil.
- A non-tool object or thing.
- A plant or animal.
- The edible fruit of the Asian tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus); also the tree itself.
- A home run.
- (games) A children's game involving picking up objects; knucklebones; jackstones.
- Alternative form of jakes: an outhouse or lavatory.