It is called mental chess, when people manipulate each other and situations to suit their own agendas. Games People Play looks at this practice by observing a young writer who is tasked with writing a sports short story. Having partied since he received the assignment he must now deliver his manuscript within hours, and he tries, but simply cannot come up with a concept. He reaches his deadline and finally finds inspiration. His only option is to fool his lecturer into accepting his manuscript a day late.