Crossword Genius

Cards used to stir fire (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

poker

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'fire' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'cards used to stir' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'stir' could be 'poke' (poking is a kind of stirring) and 'poke' is located in the answer.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for poker that I've seen before include "A game for the fireplace implement" , "Stiff rod; card game" , "Fire prodder; game" , "Rod; betting game" , "Park/zoo attendant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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