Straightforward subterfuge (5)
I believe the answer is:
bluff
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'straightforward' is the first definition.
(thesaurus)
'subterfuge' is the second definition.
(I know that bluff is a type of subterfuge)
(Other definitions for bluff that I've seen before include "Steep bank; pretend confidence" , "Feign" , "Try to deceive" , "Deception - hearty" , "Challengers may call it" .)