Opening Gambit gives the user Run Speed Up and Swim Speed Up (and in Splatoon 2, Ink Resistance Up) during the beginning of the battle.
The effects last for thirty seconds, and each splat extends the timer by about seven and a half seconds. Opening Gambit is restricted to headgear as a main ability.
The ability is ideal for reaching objectives before opponents during the start of the match, gaining a tactical advantage.
Mutual exclusivity
This ability is found as the main ability only on headgear, so other abilities found only on headgear are mutually exclusive with it; in other words, players cannot have them together. These abilities are Comeback, Last-Ditch Effort, and Tenacity.
The ability is active for about 30 seconds starting from the start of a match. While the ability is active, that amount of time is extended by about 7.5 seconds for each splat and assist the user is credited with.