Possible Clues:

• Publication covering John Hurt's bit of four-person play?
• Spectator maybe hugging John after exciting game
• Nursemaid missing first run packs new game
• Old woman has John beaten at end of long game
• Suffering setback, poor player has no heart for joining in game
• Chinese table game
• Send back starter of grouse, possible disappointment for toast lover eating hot game
• Game played with pieces called tiles
• Fried jamon with starter of hock, pig's foot and game
• Mum and John playing good game