Firstmove

First move refers to the initial action taken by a player or participant in a sequence of competitive interactions. The term is used across games, sports, and strategic contexts to denote the moment when initiative is assumed and the early phase of a challenge begins.

In chess, the first move is made by the player with the white pieces. Acting first gives White the initiative and the option to dictate the opening phase. While the outcome of a game depends on later play, openings are often analyzed for how they seize space, development, and tempo, and there is ongoing discussion about the practical magnitude of the first-move advantage.

In game theory, economics, and strategic planning, the first mover advantage describes benefits that may accrue from acting before competitors. These benefits can include securing scarce resources, shaping market expectations, and establishing brand recognition or standards. However, first movers may bear higher research and development costs, face greater market uncertainty, and risk early missteps, which later entrants can study and improve upon.

In technology and platform markets, being first can help build network effects, user loyalty, and ecosystem momentum, but it can also invite rapid imitation and a costly race to maintain leadership. Decisions about timing involve trade-offs between speed of entry and the opportunity to refine offerings based on early feedback.

See also: first-mover advantage, initiative, tempo, game theory.