noun
mediocre ability; ordinary skill; person of ordinary skills
Refers to unremarkable talent or a person with average ability. Often used in contrast to 妙手 (excellent skill).
彼の作品は凡手の域を出ていない。
His work does not go beyond the level of mediocrity.
凡手の棋士でも、努力次第で強くなれる。
Even a player of ordinary skill can become strong with effort.
noun
uninteresting move; trivial move; worthless move
Used in board games such as go, shogi, and othello for a move that lacks brilliance or strategic value. Often contrasted with 妙手 (brilliant move).
その手は凡手で、すぐに逆転された。
That move was mediocre, and the game was immediately turned around.
初心者はつい凡手を打ってしまいがちだ。
Beginners tend to make uninteresting moves without realizing it.