先せん手てを打うつ

expression, godan verb (-tsu)

forestall; beat to the punch; anticipate

General use: acting before an opponent or a situation develops, seizing the initiative.

• 競きょう合ごう他た社しゃが新しん製せい品ひんを出だす前まえに、先せん手てを打うって値ね下さげを行おこなった。

  We forestalled our competitors by lowering prices before they released their new product.

• 彼かれはいつも先せん手てを打うって行こう動どうするので、トラブルが起おきにくい。

  He always acts proactively, so trouble rarely occurs.

expression, godan verb (-tsu)

play the first move (in go)

Specific to board games, especially go; refers to making the opening move.

• 囲い碁ごでは、先せん手てを打うつことが有ゆう利りに働はたらくことが多おおい。

  In go, playing the first move often works to your advantage.