Playing with your dog is an opportunity to deepen your connection and bond. The stronger bond you have the more willing a partner your dog becomes. You become a fun and dependable friend that your dog is more likely to listen to and act when you make requests. Of course you can't short cut practicing and training your dog to understand the expectation of your request but with a strong bond they will be more attentive.
In the video below I talk about how to play tug with your dog and show some video demonstrations of myself playing and interactive with two very different dogs.