I hand out cards best (5)

I believe the answer is:

ideal

'best' is the definition.
('ideal' can be similar in meaning to 'best')

'i hand out cards' is the wordplay.
'hand out cards' becomes 'deal' (I've seen this before).
'i'+'deal'='IDEAL'

(Other definitions for ideal that I've seen before include "immaculate" , "Optimal" , "Model of ethical behaviour" , "Paragon" , "principle to be aimed at" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app