Gambit

/ɡˈæmbɪt/

/ˈɡæmbɪt/

Gambit

(chess) an opening strategy in which a player voluntarily sacrifices a pawn or sometimes a more valuable piece, typically in the early moves of the game

a strategic action or remark that is used to gain an advantage, particularly in the early stages of a situation, game, conversation, etc.

synonyms : ploy

stratagem

a remark made to start or continue a conversation, often used to steer the conversation in a particular direction

Examples

1. Less obviously, these unusually public comments by the attorney and by Congressman Schiff, could be opening gambits.

2. Play your Gambit!

3. The gambit worked.

4. - Runs the gambit.