Crossword Genius

Spooner's card game ruined, proving to be a trial (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dummy run

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

'a trial' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'spooner's card game ruined proving' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'game' could be 'ru' (rugby union) and 'ru' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dummy run that I've seen before include "Practice session" , "Rehearsal" , "A try-out or test" , "Practice, trial" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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