Crossword Genius

Model and I hand out cards (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ideal

'model' is the definition.
(I know that ideal is a type of model)

'i hand out cards' is the wordplay.
'hand out cards' becomes 'deal' (as in dealing for a card game).
'i'+'deal'='IDEAL'

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ideal that I've seen before include "Model of excellance" , "Paradigm" , "Quite perfect, can't be improved on" , "Model of ethical behaviour" , "Perfect for the purpose" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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