first move; opening move
Primarily used in board games such as shogi and go for the initial move. Also used metaphorically for the first action in a sequence.
将棋の初手はとても重要だ。
The first move in shogi is very important.
彼の初手はいつも大
General use for the very beginning of something, often with a nuance of the first step or initial action. Less common than 最初 or 始まり in everyday speech.
初手からつまずいてしまった。
I stumbled right from the start.
His opening move is always bold.
Compound of 初 (sho, 'first') and 手 (te, 'move' or 'hand'). The term originated in board games and later extended to general use.