Crossword Genius

Word associated with poker - but it's not flush (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stud

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

'flush' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'word associated with poker but it's not' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'sud' 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).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stud that I've seen before include "Style of poker" , "Small jewellery item" , "This farm breeds horses" , "Jewellery item; horse breeding establishment" , "Ladies' man?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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