More irritable, needing support after game (8)

I believe the answer is:

snappier

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'more irritable' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'needing support after game' is the wordplay.
'needing support' becomes 'pier' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'game' becomes 'snap' (card game).
'pier' after 'snap' is 'SNAPPIER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for snappier that I've seen is " More stylish".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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