The term 'plays the market' can be summarized as investing in the stock market. Investing in the stock market involves buying and selling stocks, bonds, and other securities in order to make a profit. It is a risky endeavor, as the stock market is unpredictable and can lead to large losses if not managed properly. The crossword solution for this term is 'INVESTS, ' which means to put money into something with the expectation of making a return.