expression, godan verb (-tsu)
forestall; beat to the punch; anticipate
General use: acting before an opponent or a situation develops, seizing the initiative.
競合他社が新製品を出す前に、先手を打って値下げを行った。
We forestalled our competitors by lowering prices before they released their new product.
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.
囲碁では、先手を打つことが有利に働くことが多い。
In go, playing the first move often works to your advantage.