Positional and Endgame Concepts
Initiative
Definition
Initiative is the condition where you have bigger threats than the opponent, so the opponent must be reactive while you keep dictating the flow of the game. The player with initiative chooses the trade tempo; the opponent can only parry. Initiative is often worth a material sacrifice (1-2 pawns) to maintain.
Usage and Example
Example: gambit openings (King's Gambit, Benko Gambit) sacrifice 1 pawn to open lines to the opponent king plus faster development. If the opponent does not defend accurately, the gambit player wins through initiative.
Grandmaster Tier Context
T3 Competitive Local through T5 Master. Grandmaster coaches teach recognizing initiative in game review sessions: when you have it, when opponent has it, and how to convert or parry.