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Thanks...is POKER DICE a gambling game?

7d. Scorn when successful runner replaces second in race
CONTEMPT
Parse?

Contest, race
MP, successful runner (for election, Parliament) replaces the S, second.

Nice one Malone, I couldn't figure out CONTEMPT.

Glad I could help, Whetstone.

14a. Hotel worker got into net, started computer operation
BOOTSTRAPPED

Parse?

The hotel worker is a boot boy/boots.
Got into net is trapped.
Bootstrapped is something to do with computers (no idea what!).

BOOTSTRAPPED.... thanks, I'd never heard of boots/boy before.
BOOTSTRAP is start-up software when you first log on.

Hi rusty
Turning on early computers was difficult - it was much easier to start when they were actually on, so starting them was likened to lifting yourself up by your bootstraps, hence "booting up" a computer. The boot sequence loads the operating system.

9d. Hazard which restricts military bridge-builders
THREAT
Parse?