Incorrect spelling

playes

Incorrect spelling, explanation: this form is mistaken, because according to the rule, in the case of a suffix -s added to y which stands after a vowel (here a), the suffix is simply added without changing anything in the spelling. Therefore plays is the correct form and playes is incorrect. There is no need to add this e between y and s. Plays is the correct spelling.


Correct spelling

plays

Correct spelling, explanation: plays is the correct spelling of this third person singular form of the verb play. This is due to the fact, that when -s is added to a word that ends with y, and this y is preceded by a vowel, then s is simply added at the end of the word. Nothing else changes in the spelling. Therefore the correct spelling is plays, not playes.

Definition of plays:
verb, third form singular of the verb play, to perform, to act; to take part in recreational activity
John plays volleyball really well.
My sister plays on Broadway; she’s an understudy.