A Bishop is a powerful chess piece. It allows players to control the board from afar. By controlling the board diagonally, it serves as a sniper. Strong players prefer having a Bishop during the game due to its superpowers. It is one of the leading choices of supergrandmasters. Bishop plays a crucial role in a chess game. To remunerate its real power, players must understand the basic principles behind this piece.
Starting position of the game
Both players possess two Bishops in the starting position of a chess game. They are located at c1- and f1-squares (Highlighted in blue) for White. Similarly, they reside at c8- and f8-squares (Highlighted in yellow) for Black.
As shown in the image above, a pair of Bishops for one player stand in different colors. This unique identity is crucial to recognize because they can only stay in that color for the rest of the game.
We refer to them as the color of the square they start from. This means that the c1- and f8-Bishops are ‘dark-squared’ Bishops, and c8- and the f1-Bishops are ‘light-squared’ Bishops.
- TL;DR
- Watch: Quick Video Tutorial on the Chess Bishop
- Bishop chess moves and captures
- Can a Bishop jump over pieces?
- Can a Bishop move backwards?
- How many squares can a Bishop move?
- Why the Bishop is called a “sniper”
- Bishop’s role in chess
- The value of the Bishop piece in chess
- Bishop vs Knight: which is better?
- What are the Bishop’s weaknesses and strengths?
- Strategies and Techniques with Bishop
- My thoughts on Bishop
- FAQs
- What does the Bishop do in chess?
- Why is a Bishop called a Bishop in chess?
- What does the Bishop do in chess?
- Why is a Bishop called a Bishop in chess?
- Can a Bishop move backwards?
- Can a Bishop jump over pieces?
- How many Bishops are there in chess?
- Can a Bishop capture another Bishop?
- Where does the Bishop start in chess?
- How many points is a Bishop worth?
- Why does the Bishop move diagonally?
TL;DR
- The Bishop moves diagonally only, as many squares as it wants, in any direction, including backwards.
- It cannot jump over pieces. If something blocks the diagonal, the Bishop stops there.
- It captures by landing on the enemy piece’s square, still moving diagonally.
- Each side starts with two Bishops: one light-squared, one dark-squared. A Bishop never changes its color.
- A Bishop is worth about three points, the same as a Knight. In open positions and endgames it is often worth a bit more.
- Its real strength is range: from one diagonal it can snipe targets on the far side of the board, which is why players nickname it the “sniper”.
Watch: Quick Video Tutorial on the Chess Bishop
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Finished watching the video? Keep reading the article to discover all the nuances about the Bishop comprehensively!
Bishop chess moves and captures
Using a Bishop often requires a fundamental understanding of the game. Its movement, however, is quite easy.
Now, let’s see the Bishop chess rules.
Unlike a Knight, it cannot move in the initial position because it cannot jump over pieces.
Bishop cannot move on the first move.
Its movement is quite basic, diagonally!
c1-Bishop can move because there is no White piece blocking it.
A Bishop can move anywhere available on that diagonal. As shown above, the c1-Bishop can move to b2- and a3-squares because White pieces do not occupy those squares.
The squares highlighted in yellow demonstrate the available squares for the d4-Bishop.
As highlighted above, the Bishop can scope almost the whole board once there is no piece in front of it. This means that we want to use it and snipe pieces diagonally.
b2-Bishop is on the same diagonal as the f6-Queen.
Like other pieces, it captures the piece once it moves to a square where the enemy piece resides. In the above position, the b2-Bishop can move to the f6-square and capture the enemy Queen.
The dark-squared Bishop captured the opponent’s Queen.
Once it captures the enemy piece, it stands at the square where the enemy piece was. Both dark and light-squared Bishops move the same. Since they can only move diagonally, they must stay in that color forever. However, we need to assess them differently and should not value them the same because the colors matter as the game progresses!
Can a Bishop jump over pieces?
No. The Bishop cannot jump over any piece, yours or the opponent’s. The moment a piece sits on its diagonal, the Bishop has to stop in front of it. This is why a Bishop has no moves at all on the very first turn, its own pawns block both diagonals.
Can a Bishop move backwards?
Yes. Unlike a pawn, the Bishop can move backwards freely, as long as it stays on a diagonal. It can go forward-left, forward-right, back-left or back-right, any number of squares. There is no “forward only” rule for the Bishop.
How many squares can a Bishop move?
As many as are open on its diagonal. On an empty board a Bishop in the center controls up to thirteen squares. Push it into a corner and that drops to seven. This is why we try to place Bishops in the center or on long open diagonals, where they see the most.
Why the Bishop is called a “sniper”
Players love giving the Bishop nicknames, and almost all of them come from the same idea: range. A Bishop sitting on a long, open diagonal can hit a target on the other side of the board without moving, so people call it a “sniper”. A Bishop that keeps winning material from far away gets called a “killer Bishop”.
These are not official terms, but they describe the piece well. When you hear someone say their Bishop is “sniping” down the long diagonal, they mean it controls a line the opponent can’t easily block or escape.
Bishop’s role in chess
A dark-squared Bishop protects and attacks the dark squares and keeps the tactics alive in the dark squares. Similarly, light-squared Bishops operate in light-squares. Players need to think of the board as two separate boards when it comes to this piece.
The construction of the g2-Bishop is called the ‘Fianchetto.’
Bishops can protect the King by sticking close to him. This often occurs by ‘fianchettoing’ the Bishop and controlling the same colors nearby. As shown above, the g2-Bishop is covering the nearby light squares. It also scopes at the long ‘a8-h1’ diagonal. The long diagonals are often preferable for Bishops to stay, as they hit multiple targets and secure many squares. Bishops can also attack the enemy further down the board. Unlike other pieces with the same value, it serves a vast purpose once any square in the same color needs to be controlled remotely.
The g2-Bishop has an open ‘a8-h1’ diagonal.
The above image illustrates a g2-Bishop, which serves both defensively and offensively. It protects the f3- and h3-squares and also scopes the ‘a8-h1’ diagonal. Using a Bishop like this often requires precision. Even though it controls the light squares, its absence can hurt White’s position immensely because it plays a vital role in White King’s protection.
The g2-Bishop captured the c6-Knight
In these cases, the threat is much more important than the execution. The above illustration shows an example where the g2-Bishop captures the c6-Knight and doubles Black’s c-pawns. This is often a bad idea because White heavily relies on the Bishop’s presence and its active duty as a guardian angel. The light squares around the White King are now compromised. Many devilish plans (Some of them highlighted in arrows) can be put into action in both the short and long term.
The b2-Bishop can capture the f6-Knight.
The above illustration shows where this trade can be made. The b2-Bishop can capture the f6-Knight because it does not protect the King. Before making such trades, players have to ask themselves the pros and cons. The upside would be to double Black’s f-pawns once the enemy captures the Bishop with the g-pawn. This would leave vulnerable squares around the enemy King. The downside would be to weaken White’s dark squares due to the absence of the dark-squared Bishop.
The value of the Bishop piece in chess
According to conventional principles, a Bishop is worth three points. This is considered equal to a Knight. However, we have seen several examples where the numeric values can change due to the dynamic of the position. Every position is unique, and each Bishop must be assessed separately.
An example of a mistake
One common mistake is misevaluating the position and sacrificing the Bishop for two pawns to launch an attack. In the above position, the f5-Bishop is worth three points. Many amateurs would be tempted to capture the h6-pawn and try to checkmate their opponent.
White is worse.
However, if an immediate checkmate does not occur, White is worse. In the above position, White gave up three points (the dark-squared Bishop) in exchange for two points (two pawns). Since there is no sudden checkmate, the sacrifice was a wrong decision.
An example of a favorable exchange
The above position shows a favorable exchange of a Bishop for a Rook. The f8-Rook is worth five points. Since the h6-Bishop is worth three points, White can capture the f8-Rook and be better. This is also called ‘exchange up’. Bishops and Knights are minor pieces, and Rooks are usually more valuable than them. Queens, of course, are much more valuable, with an estimated nine points.
Bishop vs Knight: which is better?
On paper both are worth three points. In practice it depends on the position.
| Situation | Better piece |
|---|---|
| Open position, pawns traded off | Bishop |
| Closed position with locked pawns | Knight |
| Endgame on both sides of the board | Bishop |
| Cramped position, few open lines | Knight |
| You have both Bishops (the Bishop pair) | Bishops |
My own rule of thumb: in an endgame, I’d rather have the Bishop. It works at long range and switches sides of the board in one move, while a Knight needs several.
What are the Bishop’s weaknesses and strengths?
Bishops are great pieces in open positions. However, they are not as good as in closed positions. Because they cannot target any piece once the pawns are locked down.
Example of a Bishop Pair for Black
The above example illustrates how powerful the Bishops are in open positions. They control many squares and prevent enemy pieces from jumping around.
An example of a bad Bishop
The above position shows how Bishop chess pieces can be trapped behind the pawns. If we count the material, it turns out to be equal. However, the game is dead-lost for Black due to the g7-Bishops inability to participate.
It is important not to trap the Bishops behind the pawns.
Example of a trapped Bishop
Bishops can also be an easy target for the enemy pawns. This often occurs once a pawn storm is launched against it. The above example shows the b3-Bishop trapped by the enemy pawns on the Queenside.
Example of a passive a2-Bishop
The above position shows a passive Bishop on a2-square. It is held hostage by the opponent’s pawn chain.
In cases like these, the Bishop must be activated using another diagonal. The move c3 is an excellent attempt to use the ‘b1-h7’ diagonal.
The b7-Bishop, on the other hand, is located well. It’s attacking the isolated d5-pawn. If a White pawns were protecting the d5-pawn, that Bishop would not be as effective.
Closed positions are Bishop’s nightmares.
If the position is closed, the Knights become more favorable than the Bishops. The above position is an example of the c3- and f3-Knights being better than the enemy Bishops. The Knights can jump around and land on critical squares. The Bishops, on the other hand, are restricted and have no target.
Strategies and Techniques with Bishop
Bishops are often used in long diagonals, eyeing the enemy King.
The c4-square for the f1-Bishop is one of the ideal squares because it controls a long diagonal.
A poorly placed Bishop on the d3-square
The above example shows how a Bishop should not be used. The d3-Bishop would prevent the d-pawn from moving forward. Also, it would not have any scope and be looking at his own pawn. The best way to utilize a Bishop is often to create a safe room to prevent any attack against it.
To avoid giving up the Bishop so early, players often play moves like a3 or a4 to create a safe room on the a2-square.
What is better than one Bishop? A Bishop pair! Bishops work in harmony because they cover two different colors.
A Bishop pair is all a chess master needs.
Bishops work greatly together because both of them have a distinct job. By uniting, they can reach every square on the board from a far distance. They often create a solid wall once they stand adjacent. This is often useful in endgames when players try to take every possible square from the opponent.
My thoughts on Bishop
I value a Bishop a little higher than a Knight. Knights are easier to navigate and often tricky in fast-time control. Time is a decisive factor in deciding on multiple occasions. Bishops are very influential in endgames. A Bishop pair versus a Knight pair in an endgame is difficult to hold for the player with the Knights. I recommend players play as many endgames as possible and feel the real strength of the Bishops.
FAQs
What does the Bishop do in chess?
A Bishop does great things. It often controls the diagonals from a far distance and puts fear in the opponent’s heart. It is also very useful in endgames, mostly outplaying Knights.
Why is a Bishop called a Bishop in chess?
The Bishop was initially called the ‘elephant’ in the eastern countries. Once it spread to the West, the piece was associated with a Bishop’s mitre due to its process at the top. Hence, it was renamed to the ‘Bishop’.
What does the Bishop do in chess?
A Bishop does great things. It controls the diagonals from a far distance and puts fear in the opponent’s heart. It is also very useful in endgames, mostly outplaying Knights.
Why is a Bishop called a Bishop in chess?
The Bishop was initially called the “elephant” in the eastern countries. Once it spread to the West, the piece was associated with a Bishop’s mitre due to its shape at the top. Hence, it was renamed the “Bishop”.
Can a Bishop move backwards?
Yes. The Bishop moves backwards as freely as forwards, as long as it stays on a diagonal. Only the direction matters, not whether it goes up or down the board.
Can a Bishop jump over pieces?
No. Only the Knight can jump. A Bishop stops as soon as a piece blocks its diagonal.
How many Bishops are there in chess?
Each player starts with two: one light-squared Bishop and one dark-squared Bishop. So there are four on the board at the start of the game.
Can a Bishop capture another Bishop?
Yes, but only one that sits on the same color. A light-squared Bishop can never reach a dark-squared Bishop, so opposite-colored Bishops can never capture each other.
Where does the Bishop start in chess?
For White, on c1 and f1, next to the King and Queen. For Black, on c8 and f8. Each pair sits on one light and one dark square.
How many points is a Bishop worth?
About three points, the same as a Knight. The number is only a guide, an active Bishop on an open diagonal can be worth much more than a Bishop trapped behind its own pawns.
Why does the Bishop move diagonally?
It is simply the rule that defines the piece, and it dates back to the game’s older forms. Because it only moves on diagonals, each Bishop is locked to one square color for the whole game.
