Ambit vs. Gambit — What's the Difference?

Sphere or scope, as of influence.

A gambit (from ancient Italian gambetto, meaning "to trip") is a chess opening in which a player sacrifices material with the aim of achieving a subsequent positional advantage. The word "gambit" is also sometimes used to describe similar tactics used by politicians or business people in a struggle with rivals in their respective fields, for example "The early election was a risky gambit by Theresa May".

(Archaic) An external boundary; a circuit.

An opening in chess in which the player risks one or more minor pieces, usually a pawn, in order to gain a favorable position.

(by extension)

A maneuver, stratagem, or opening remark, especially one intended to bring about a desired result.

The extent of actions, thoughts, or the meaning of words, etc.

(chess) An opening in chess in which a minor piece or a pawn is sacrificed to gain an advantage.

The area or sphere of control and influence of something.

Any ploy or stratagem.

(archaic) The boundary around a building, town, region, etc.

A remark intended to open a conversation.

The circumference of something circular; also, an arc; a circuit, an orbit.

To sacrifice (a pawn or minor piece) to gain an advantage.

(obsolete) Chiefly in the plural form ambits: the open space surrounding a building, town, etc.; the grounds or precincts of a place.

A mode of opening the game, in which a pawn is sacrificed to gain an attacking position.

Circuit or compass.

An opening remark intended to secure an advantage for the speaker

An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:

A maneuver in a game or conversation

A chess move early in the game in which the player sacrifices minor pieces in order to obtain an advantageous position