Crossword Genius

Rise when clubs close (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ascend

'rise' is the definition.
('ascend' can be a synonym of 'rise')

'when clubs close' is the wordplay.
'when' becomes 'as'.
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used in card games such as bridge).
'close' becomes 'end' (I've seen this before).
'as'+'c'+'end'='ASCEND'

(Other definitions for ascend that I've seen before include "Climb, rise" , "Climb, go up (6)" , "Make the top" , "Scale" , "Dances (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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