It's in the front row when the game begins (4)
I believe the answer is:
pawn
'it's in the front row when' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'game begins' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'game' could be 'p' (I have seen 'French game ' mean 'p' so perhaps 'game' could also mean 'p') and 'p' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'awn' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pawn that I've seen before include "Get ready for" , "Lodge (item) for money" , "Exploited person" , "Deposit as security for a loan" , "A dupe; hock" .)