When referring to "play," what does it include?

The concept of "play" in the context of Magic: The Gathering encompasses a variety of actions that a player can take during their turn. Specifically, it includes the act of playing a land, casting spells, and any actions that involve altered game aspects—such as using abilities of cards that may change how the game is played.

When a player plays a land, they are utilizing one of the fundamental aspects of the game, as lands are necessary for generating mana, which is essential for casting spells. Casting spells is another primary action related to "play." This includes summoning creatures, casting sorceries, or activating instants and abilities. Furthermore, "playing with altered game aspects" recognizes that players can interact with the game in ways beyond just the basic actions of casting spells or playing lands, such as by using cards that change the rules or introduce new mechanics.

Thus, the correct choice encompasses all of these actions, depicting a comprehensive view of what it means to "play" in Magic: The Gathering. It reflects the multifaceted nature of gameplay where various actions contribute to a player's strategy and options within the game.