Draughts in US premier's residence spoken of (8)

I believe the answer is:

checkers

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'draughts' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for checkers that I've seen before include "Draughts in America" , "those on board" , "They scrutinise" , "Quality assurance personnel" , "American game" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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