noun

the use of deception or subterfuge to achieve one’s purpose.

storylines packed with political chicanery

trickery,deception,deceit,deceitfulness,duplicity,dishonesty,unscrupulousness,underhandedness,subterfuge,fraud,fraudulence,legerdemain,sophistry,sharp practice,skulduggery,swindling,cheating,duping,hoodwinking,deviousness,guile,intrigue,palace intrigue,craft,craftiness,artfulness,slyness,wiles,misleading talk,crookedness,monkey business,funny business,hanky-panky,shenanigans,flimflam,jiggery-pokery,monkeyshines,codology,management,knavery