What does the cryptic crossword clue "Ace revealed when Pat has dealt cards (3,4)" mean?

The definition is "Ace". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). DAB (synonym="”Pat” as a verb") + HAND (synonym="a hand of playing cards=”dealt cards”") = DABHAND; definition: "Ace" The answer is DABHAND.

Ace revealed when Pat has dealt cards (3,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29277 | 22 Across | 2024-01-12 flower

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