gambit (GAM-bit) noun

   1. An opening in which a minor piece is sacrificed to obtain a strategic
      advantage.

   2. A maneuver used to secure an advantage.

   3. A remark used to open or redirect a conversation.

[From Spanish gambito, from Italian gambetto (the act of tripping someone),
from gamba (leg).]

   "North Korea will no doubt try to gain maximum advantage by playing South
   Korea, America and Japan off against each other. If it fails to get the
   result - and the cash - it wants from its new diplomatic gambit, it may
   simply abandon the enterprise."
   The Two Koreas: Mr Kim, Meet Mr Kim, The Economist (London),
   Apr 15, 2000.

This week's theme: words from chess.

............................................................................
Sin is geographical. -Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician, author,
Nobel laureate (1872-1970)

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Pronunciation:
http://wordsmith.org/words/gambit.wav
http://wordsmith.org/words/gambit.ram