noun
first match; opening game; first round
Refers to the first match or game in a series, tournament, or competition. Often used in sports, games, and battles.
初戦で強豪チームと当たることになった。
We ended up facing a strong team in our first match.
彼は初戦から全力で挑んだ。
He gave it his all from the very first game.
Compound of 初 (sho, 'first') and 戦 (sen, 'battle' or 'match'). The reading is on'yomi for both characters.