Initiative
Initiative: The ability to make threats that force the opponent to respond.
In-Depth Explanation
The initiative is a dynamic advantage measured by control of the game's direction rather than material. It can disappear if forcing moves run out. Checks and sacrifices are useful only when they sustain pressure or convert into something lasting, not merely because they look aggressive.
Related Strategy Terms
Zugzwang
A situation where a player is forced to make a move that will significantly weaken their position.
Tempo
A unit of time in chess: one move. Gaining a tempo means forcing the opponent to waste a move.
Opposition
A king-and-pawn endgame concept where kings face each other with one square between them; the player not to move holds the opposition.
Recommended Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
The ability to make threats that force the opponent to respond.
Study model positions, explain the idea in your own words, and test the key decisions on the interactive board.
Want to master your chess openings?
Join thousands of players who use our cloud repertoire lab to store and train their secret weapons.
Get Started with Repertoire Master (PRO)