It doesn't apply here, but it's also interesting to note that people can be "played off of" each other. Essentially it means deliberately and strategically pitting people against one another.
"After learning that Janet hated Debbie, Susan played them off each other so that she could take Steven to the dance."
That's actually a horrible example, but it's what I thought of at the moment.

Also, it's used when talking about business or diplomatic negotiations sometimes, in the same manner.