Crossword Genius

Likely to win, if you play endless pontoon? (2,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on top

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

'you play endless pontoon?' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'likely to win' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'likely' could be 'on' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'on' is found within the answer.
'to' is within the answer.
A single letter 'p' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'if' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for on top that I've seen before include "At the summit or in superior position" , "Leading" , "In a dominant position" , "Winning" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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