| ALLTHE | In a strong position and prepared to deal (7,3,3,5) |
| HOLDING | In a strong position and prepared to deal (7,3,3,5) |
| CARDS | In a strong position and prepared to deal (7,3,3,5) |
| ARSIS | Classical art is in a strong position, according to some |
| BRIDGEHEAD | Game nut in a strong position |
| ONFIRMGROUND | In a strong position (2,4,6) |
| ONSOLIDGROUND | Having landed in a strong position? |
| CASTLE | Actors join the French in a strong position (6) |
| HAVETHE | Be in a strong position on court (4,3,9) |
| ADVANTAGE | Be in a strong position on court (4,3,9) |
| ENTRENCH | Has hard new centre built to establish a strong position (8) |
| KEEP | Hold a strong position (4) |
| SHUFFLED | Prepared to deal a crib hand |
| OPENHANDED | Always prepared to give - and prepared to receive (4-6) |
| BOUNCERS | People prepared to deal with one if troublesome - curb one's excitement |
| DOTES | Is very fond of, just the same, and prepared to return to |
| REMOUNTED | Tossed men out partaking in wine and prepared to ride (9) |
| TOOKAIMAT | Prepared to deal with |
| HOLDALLTHECARDS | Be in a very strong position, like an employer with P-fortyfives? |
| FORT | Strong position in favour of conclusion to Brexit (4) |
