Bit of goofiness essentially clever tricks (8)
I believe the answer is:
finesses
'tricks' is the definition.
(finesse is a type of trick in the card game bridge)
'bit of goofiness essentially clever' is the wordplay.
'bit of' indicates a hidden word.
'FINESSES' can be found hidden inside 'goofiness essentially clever'.
(Another definition for finesses that I've seen is " Senses if (anag.)".)
I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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