Crossword Genius

Nine of them make game (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pins

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

'nine of them' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'game' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'game' could be 'p' (I have seen 'French game ' mean 'p' so perhaps 'game' could also mean 'p') and 'p' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ins' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'make' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pins that I've seen before include "Stocking fillers" , "Wire fasteners" , "security codes" , "With needles, they create a tingling sensation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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