Initiative is the ability to take the first step or move.
In war, having the initiative is important. In Bughouse chess, initiative is of equal importance. It is the difference between being able to use your pieces or just having them become spectators in the ensuing blood bath. In many a Bughouse game, one side usually ends up with a stack of unused pieces which is a terrible waste. It is critical to obtain and keep the initiative in Bughouse chess to avoid this situation.