Crossword Genius

Lacking a game to play - or rivals (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

matchless

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

'lacking a' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'game to play or rivals' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'game' could be 'match' (eg a football match) and 'match' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'less' 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).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for matchless that I've seen before include "Unrivalled" , "reason for rubbing sticks together?" , "Unparalleled" , "Like the top" , "Perfect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app