As played in a match, essentially (5)
I believe the answer is:
chess
'as played in a match essentially' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'in a match essentially' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'CHESS' can be found hidden inside 'match essentially'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for chess that I've seen before include "Pure-skill board game" , "board meeting" , "Game with kings and queens" , "A game of skill" , "form of battle" .)