Defeat after first of games? Here’s an explanation (5)
I believe the answer is:
gloss
'explanation' is the definition.
(I know that gloss is a type of explanation)
'defeat after first of games?' is the wordplay.
'defeat' becomes 'loss' (I've seen this in other clues).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'first of games?' becomes 'g' (lst letter of 'games').
'loss' put after 'g' is 'GLOSS'.
'here's an' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for gloss that I've seen before include "Shiny surface" , "Render plausible" , "Polish - explanatory comment" , "Very shiny finish" , "High shine" .)