gam·bit 
(gămbĭt)
(gămbĭt)n.
1. An opening in chess in which the player risks one or more minor pieces, usually a pawn, in order to gain a favorable position.
2. A maneuver, stratagem, or opening remark, especially one intended to bring about a desired result.
[Ultimately from Spanish gambito, from Italian gambetto, act of tripping someone up in wrestling, from gamba, leg, from Old Italian; see GAMBOL.]