Chess, Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) and Go all highly value the tempo/initiative.
The Chinese saying "宁失一子,不失一先" literally means
It is better to lose material/piece, than a tempo/initiative.
(宁=prefer; 失=lose; 一=one; 子=piece (e.g. pawn, rook, knight); 不=not; 先=initiative, tempo, momentum)
I understand the principle/tactic, but I don't know how to express it idiomatically. Is there an English maxim for it?
If there hasn't been an established proverb in English, we may invent some.
For example,
@T.J.Crowder:
"Damn the material, full speed ahead!"
@Remellion:
"Speed over greed"
Pros: rhythm.
Cons: The saying emphasizes to accept your own pieces' loss; while "greed" is about taking your opponent's pieces.