1.
standard sequence of moves (in Go)
In the board game Go, a well-studied sequence of moves that is considered optimal for both players in a given position.
定石を覚えることが上達の近道だ。
Memorizing standard moves is a shortcut to improvement.
相手が定石を外してきた。
My opponent deviated from the standard sequence.
新しい定石が研究されている。
New standard sequences are being studied.
2.
established pattern; textbook approach; proven method
By extension, any well-established, proven approach or standard procedure in a field. Implies a method that has been tested and accepted as effective.
マーケティングの定石に従った。
I followed the textbook approach to marketing.
定石どおりにやれば失敗しない。
If you follow the established method, you won't fail.
定石を破る大胆な戦略で成功した。
They succeeded with a bold strategy that broke from the established approach.
Originally a Go (囲碁) term, now widely used figuratively in business, strategy, and daily life to mean "the standard/proven approach."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 定石どおり: according to the textbook approach
- 定石を外す: to deviate from the standard
- 定石を破る: to break from convention
- 定石を踏む: to follow established practice
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 常套手段: standard tactic — can have a negative nuance (hackneyed)
- セオリー: theory, standard practice — loanword, more casual
- 王道: the royal road, the orthodox approach — implies the best or most legitimate method
NOTE:
Also read as ていせき in some contexts, though じょうせき is the standard reading.