In Catcher in the Rye, Mr Spencer says, "Life is a game, one to be played by the rules." What does he mean?Holden disagrees. He feels it is only...

Holden has a certain level of respect for Mr. Spencer. 
When Spencer lectures him on "playing the game" and other platitudes about how to
apparently gain success, Holden grudgingly listens to the "insight" but is eager to get
out as soon as possible.  It is an exchange where there is complexity and tension
revealed.  Holden's reaction to Mr. Spencer is that one can appreciate people even when
they are saying things that might cause frustration.  There is a clear distinction in
this scene between message and messenger.  When Holden says that "shaking hands and all
that crap" left him "sad as hell," it brings out the fact that while Holden might not
really appreciate what Mr. Spencer says, he does appreciate Mr. Spencer attempting to
show care.  The message that Spencer does bring out in terms of the "game" aspect of
life and the need to succeed is something that reflects the insider/ outsider dynamic
that Holden feels.  The people who "win" at this game in Holden' mind are the "hotshots"
or the "phonies," such as Holden's roommate, Ward.  These people are the "hotshots"
because they know how to manipulate others' perceptions.  For Holden, who is already
struggling with his own sense of identity, this "game" approach does not connect with
him in terms of seeking to make his place in the world, which is why the advice that
Spencer gives him is not automatically appreciated, even if the attempt
is.