Low creatures on board for a game (6)

I believe the answer is:

snakes

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

'low creatures' is the definition.
'snakes' can be an answer for 'creatures' (snake is a kind of creature). I am not sure about the 'low' bit.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for snakes that I've seen before include "[CREES]" , "Rattlers, asps, cobras etc" , "Legless reptiles" , "Winds; adders" , "Eg, cottonmouths, boas" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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