Crossword Genius

It's played up or down (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

darts

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'down' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'it's played up' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it's' could be 'ts' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 'ts' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'dar' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for darts that I've seen before include "Traditional pub game" , "They are thrown at targets in pubs" , "Tears" , "Game in which missiles are thrown at target" , "Game with board and missiles" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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