Initiative refers to the ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate the flow of play. The player with the initiative is able to make moves that put their opponent on the defensive and restrict their options. This puts the player in a position of strength, as they are able to dictate the terms of the game and create threats and opportunities for themselves. In chess, having the initiative is often the key to success. By controlling the tempo of the game, the player is able to create threats and opportunities that their opponent must respond to, rather than simply reacting to their opponent's moves.