Crossword Genius

Happy and relaxed at the start of play (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pleased

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

'happy' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'relaxed at the start of play' is the wordplay.
'relaxed' becomes 'eased' (I've seen this before).
'at' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'the start of play' becomes 'pl' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'eased' put after 'pl' is 'PLEASED'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pleased that I've seen before include "like Punch?" , "Glad" , "Gratified" , "Grateful, delighted" , "Happy, satisfied" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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