opening gambit
First tactical move
An opening gambit is an initial move or remark intended to gain advantage, especially in negotiation or conversation.
The phrase comes from chess, where a gambit sacrifices material for positional gain, though in general use no sacrifice is implied—it simply means a strategic first step: His opening gambit was to ask about salary.
- chessStrategic board game
- chess matchCompetitive game between strategists
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- tacticPlanned action for advantage
move · maneuver · power play · first move · conversation starter · first impression · icebreaker · negotiation · trial balloon · bluff · pawn · sacrifice · calculated · calculated risk · bold · risky · clever · mind games
- power movesintimidation, swagger, ultimatum, leverage, bluff
- strategystrategy, grand strategy, tactics, tactic, tactical
- beginningsbegin, beginning, start, first, origin
- Taking Initiativeinitiative, taking charge, first move, taking action, proactive
opening gambitendgame
Concluding phase of competition
coup de grâce · denouement · checkmate · parting shot · conclusion
opening gambitcountermove
Responding strategic action
counterstrike · riposte · retaliation · defensive play · response
opening, gambit, open, opens, opened, opener, openers, openly, openness