artifice
behind-the-scenes influence
cabal
collusion
complicity
complot
confederacy
connivance
conspiracy
contrivance
contriving
counterplot
covin
deep-laid plot
devices
engineering
expedients
finagling
finesse
frame-up
game
influence
intrigue
little game
machination
maneuvers
manipulation
plot
plotting
political influence
rigging
scheme
schemery
scheming
stratagem
tactical maneuvers
tactics
trick
underplot
web of intrigue
wire-pulling
calculation
diplomacy
dodge
evasion
generalship
manipulations
manipulator
manoeuvre
manoeuvring
propulsion
reconnaissance
refueling
ruse
schemer
tactic
tactician
thruster
outmaneuvering