noun
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胆だ。
His opening move is always bold.
noun
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.