noun
moving first; first move
Refers to acting before an opponent or counterpart, often in competitive or strategic contexts. Can also refer to the person who makes the first move.
先手を取って攻撃する。
Take the initiative and attack first.
noun
forestalling; seizing the initiative
Emphasizes preempting an opponent's action to gain an advantage. Often used in phrases like 先手を打つ (to take preemptive measures).
See also: 後手
ライバル会社より先手を打って新商品を発表した。
We preempted our rival company and announced the new product first.
noun
sente (Go/shogi); initiative-forcing move
In Go and shogi, a move that demands a response from the opponent, allowing the player to keep the initiative. Contrasts with 後手 (gote).
See also: 後手
この一手は大きな先手になる。
This move becomes a big sente.