1. An opening in chess in which a minor piece, or pieces, usually a pawn, is offered
in exchange for a favorable position.
2. A maneuver, stratagem, or ploy, especially one used at an initial stage.
3. A remark intended to open a conversation.

Someone wrote me the other day, and I learned a new word. It seems that someone still wants to have a conversation. He wrote me a few weeks ago asking for one. And then he wrote again. He thinks that “…relying on the stories we’ve always told ourselves (those pathetic words that make us feel whole) is as much a prophecy as it is a gambit.” I think he may be talking about self-delusion, which is an important topic and worthwhile for him to explore. But really I think using “gambit” was a perfect choice. I’m jealous whenever I encounter perfectly chosen words. My soul for a poem…

However, someone also said that “…it seems a shame that you feel the need to explore our history with an abstract (internet) audience instead of with me (though i do understand the impulse).” I just want you all, my audience, to know that I don’t think you are abstract. Neither does Tony, although he has described you as “hard to put a finger on.” But who cares what Tony says, he doesn’t even exist.