opening moves
First strategic steps
Opening moves are the first actions in a strategic sequence—originally in chess, where certain openings have names and established theory, but extended to any competitive or tactical situation.
In negotiations, diplomacy, or courtship, opening moves set the tone and signal intent: His opening moves suggested he wasn't interested in compromise.
The phrase implies calculation and awareness that early choices shape what follows.
- ReversiDisc-capturing board game
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
- kickoffOpening play in football
- framingStructural or contextual shaping
salvo · early game · agenda-setting · deployment · starting position · icebreaker · initiative · feint · Sicilian Defense · prelude · chess · board game · development · concession · grand strategy · preparation · setup · proposal
opening movesendgame
Concluding phase of competition
finishing moves · end game · checkmate · denouement · coup de grâce
opening movesfinal offer
Last negotiable position
endgame · endgame strategy · closing arguments · parting shots · exit strategy
opening movesfinal acts
Concluding portions of performances
closing chapter · conclusion · finale · culmination · wind-down