Crossword Genius

A friendly card from the palace (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

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'a friendly' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'card from the palace' is the wordplay.
'card' becomes 'ace' (ace is a type of playing card).
'from' is a deletion indicator.
'palace' with 'ace' taken away is 'PAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Crony" , "Mate, buddy" , "Bud" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "Close friend" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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