Historical clue formulations

• Opening gambit of sorts — 2023-07-21
• Primary scheme — 2023-03-03
• Ideal course — 2023-02-19
• Something to try first — 2020-10-02
• Preferred option for proceeding — 2019-09-03
• Primary strategy — 2017-08-09
• First option — 2017-05-11
• The first thing to try (and hope for the best) — 2016-11-12
• First option — 2015-11-22
• Main course? — 2015-09-04
• First choice — 2014-10-05
• Original scheme — 2012-08-31
• It's often backed up — 2012-04-06
• Preferred way to proceed — 2011-10-12
• First course? — 2011-06-01
• First option — 2011-01-20
• Primary strategy — 2009-12-02
• Primary stratagem — 2009-11-29
• Preferred course of action — 2006-11-23
• Primary strategy — 2004-12-12
• First course of action — 1999-01-23