How's tricks?

[JPablo]

how’s tricks? = ¿qué onda?, ¿qué tal?, ¿qué pasa?, ¿qué tal?
Any other Spanish version of this idiomatic expression?
The origin of the English?

[pjt33]

¿Cómo vamos?

[JPablo]

Gracias, ¡vamos bien!

[hermit]

Hi JPablo - A "trick" in this sense is a sly means or method used to
decieve people, possibly to cheat them out of some money.

The "shell game" is an example of a minor "scam" of this sort. In Spanish, "trampa", or "truco".

A "trick" can also refer to a successful "score" by a "hooker". Also, any other practice (to whatever extent illegal) employed by someone to
make a living.

The word has other related meanings, as well, but the above come closest to "tricks" as in "How's tricks?" (Grammatically, it should be
"How're tricks?, but we're dealing with "street talk", here.)

[pjt33]

Come on. That might be the etymology but surely the phrase has lost those connotations now?

[hermit]

Absolutely, pjt33 - People use the phrase quite off-handedly nowadays,
not thinking of its origins even if they're aware of them. Quite innocent,
really...

[Perikles]

Well, the OP did ask for the etymology, even if defunct. I still find trick an odd word to use for the 4 cards in a round in whist or bridge.

[hermit]

Quite right, a bit odd - still, taking a trick in cards often requires
shrewd play...

[pjt33]

Originally Posted by Perikles

Well, the OP did ask for the etymology, even if defunct.

Oops, I missed that. Hermit, I owe you an apology.

As for a trick in bridge: that's far from the strangest bridge term. Who else knows what a peter is, or has played in a TD's Revenge game which gave bonus points for ousting the badger?

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by pjt33

As for a trick in bridge: that's far from the strangest bridge term. Who else knows what a peter is

I do, but would like to know the etymology because it seems obscure. And yes, there are weird bridge terms such as an unassuming cue bid or a one no trump consultative redouble.