The act of moving first or gaining the initial advantage; the side that makes the first move (e.g. in shogi, negotiations, or battles).
交渉では先手を取ることが大切だ。
It's important to take the initiative in negotiations.
将棋で先手は有利だと言われている。
In shogi the player who moves first is said to have the advantage.
問題が起きる前に先手を打って対策を用意した。
I took action in advance and prepared countermeasures before a problem arose.