# Operate Plays

A Play is an automated email flow. Use the management helper to inspect its definition and execution history. Use the inspection helper for previews and current email controls.

## Read the current state

With `BARUA_MANAGEMENT_KEY` and the [installed skill](/docs/guides/quickstart.md):

```sh
node "$BARUA_SKILL/scripts/manage.mjs" capabilities
node "$BARUA_SKILL/scripts/manage.mjs" play-catalog
```

Success returns the allowed operations and the available Plays. Use a returned Play slug with `play --play-id` and `play-definition --play-id`. Do not invent a Play ID. Follow returned version cursors when reading version history.

## Propose a change

Read [Propose and operate a Play](/skills/barua-setup/references/management.md#propose-and-operate-a-play) before writing. It defines the current revision and validation requirements. Use `play-validate` and `play-simulate` with the documented inputs before submitting changes for approval.

Play changes require `play:write`; launch authority is separate. Complete the required journey review before setup proposals. An approved definition does not by itself prove that live admission or sending is enabled.

## Preview and diagnose

Use `inspect.mjs play-preview --play-id` with a private input file for a selected revision and step. The [inspection reference](/skills/barua-setup/references/inspection.md) defines the example preview body and the additional `people:read` permission for person-based previews.

Use `play-runs` and `play-trace` to inspect execution, then `play-admissions` for admission decisions. Enabled pixel observations can trigger marketing Plays for identified people under the existing marketing basis. Server events remain authoritative for consent and transactional email. A backfill event cannot trigger a lifecycle send.

## Verify the outcome

Follow [the management proof procedure](/skills/barua-setup/references/management.md#finish-and-hand-off) after the final setup change or resumed operation. Report the observed delivery state and the review package. [Read emails and previews](/docs/guides/emails.md) shows where to inspect the resulting message.

If a Play is paused or a review is pending, read that state before attempting another action. [Recover a blocked task](/docs/guides/troubleshooting.md) covers retries and owner decisions.