Plays cards, requiring time for conclusion of game (4)

I believe the answer is:

acts

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'plays' is the definition.
('act' can be a synonym of 'play')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for acts that I've seen before include "Book; play parts" , "spiritual work" , "Turns" , "Pretends" , "Legal documents" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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