What is the rule for the following verbs using "go" and "play"?

Question

For Example:

I want to go ski.

I want to play soccer.

What is the rule that makes us use "play" instead of "go"?

I want to go soccer. (Is incorrect but why can't we use "go"?)

That is a good guide however isn`t bowling a game?

Let's go bowling. Vs Let's play bowling. sounds odd doesn't?

Answer 1

In standard English, do this; play ad go are not interchangeable they are verbs with entirely deferent meanings and it is not correct to say
I want to go ski, nor
I want to go soccer.

If you really need to use go with another verb, which is quite possible, they should always be linked with 'and', as is the case with other verbs apart from games. I went and called John.
I will go and visit Mary.

I hope I don't sound pompous, but I am speaking as an English teacher.

Answer 2

"Play" is for games. That's basically what it comes down to. Skiing isn't a game (and I would say "I want to go skiing", but maybe that's a localism). You can't play something that's not a game, but you can go do anything. In fact, both of these sentences are correct:

I want to go play.

I want to play go.

(Although that's only because there happens to be a game called "go"!)