The shell game is a confidence trick or a short-con because it is quick and easy to pull off.  The shell game relies on changing things or pretending to change things, in order to gain an advantage.

Coyotes are known as tricksters and many of the tales about them in Native American lore describe these types of tricky tactics to get what they want.

This beaded coyote is colorful and the reflections from the shells will distract and delight.