Cryptic crossword clue
Our object, discarding hearts and starting with clubs, is trying to win hand 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word COURTING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "trying to win hand" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case trying to win hand = courting.
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 COURTING mean?

COURTING verb
  1. To seek to achieve or win.
  2. To risk (a consequence, usually negative).
  3. To try to win a commitment to marry from.
  4. To engage in behavior leading to mating.
  5. To attempt to attract.
  6. To attempt to gain alliance with.
  7. To engage in activities intended to win someone's affections.
  8. To engage in courtship behavior.
  9. To invite by attractions; to allure; to attract.
COURTING noun
  1. Courtship; amorous advances

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