Trickstabs are special maneuvers used by Spies to backstab enemies that know they are a spy.

Trickstabs are usually used only - and are most effective as - a last resort: they only work when the enemy is not seeing them coming, and failing the first try greatly reduces the chances of succeeding on subsequent trickstabs. Like a magician, the spy should pull the enemy's attention away from the trickstab. Revolvers are often used for this: shooting the enemy may make him think that the spy is not trying to use his knife at all. Being at low health also helps: players usually relax when they know that they only need a couple shots or less to kill their enemy.