Stratagems, ploys (7)
I believe the answer is:
tactics
This clue is a double definition.
'stratagems' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'ploys' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for tactics that I've seen before include "Short-term strategy" , "Methods employed to achieve an end" , "Art of organising battle" , "Art of military warfare" , "Military strategy" .)