Chess wins for pals (5)
I believe the answer is:
mates
I believe this is a double definition.
'chess wins' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'for pals' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
(Other definitions for mates that I've seen before include "conclusive moves on board" , "Chums" , "Friends among the ship's officers" , "Husbands, wives or pals" , "Pals or married couples" .)