Crossword Genius

Jack perhaps clearer as a cheat

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cardsharper

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

'a cheat' is the definition.
(cardsharper is a kind of cheat)

'jack perhaps clearer' is the wordplay.
'jack perhaps' becomes 'card' (jack is a playing card).
'clearer' becomes 'sharper' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'card'+'sharper'='CARDSHARPER'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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