Exercise 5.1Question
Black to move
Black to move. Black has the bishop pair. Which move uses it best?
5
Middlegame Strategy Essentials · Kapilash Chess Academy
Bishops against Knights
Which minor piece is better?
In this lesson you will learn
- When bishops are stronger than knights
- The bishop pair in open positions
- When a knight is the better piece
- How pawn structure decides the minor-piece battle
Every board on this page is live. Move the pieces by tapping or dragging, click any move in the lines to see that position, and press ↺ to start again.
5.1 Open and Closed Positions
Bishops love open positions with pawns on both wings: they cross the board in one move. Knights love closed positions, fixed pawns and outposts: they can jump over pawns and use holes. Two bishops together — the bishop pair — are a real advantage in open positions, often worth about half a pawn.
Diagram 5.1Black to move
Example 5.1 · Bishops against a pawn majority
The Exchange Ruy Lopez. Black has the bishop pair but doubled c-pawns; White has a healthy kingside majority.
Black's bishops are active and will control many squares; White's plan is to use the 4-against-3 kingside majority and make a passed pawn in the endgame. Each side has a different trump. Understanding your own trump — and your opponent's — is the core of strategic thinking.
TipWith the bishop pair, open the position. Against the bishop pair, keep it closed and exchange one bishop if you can.
5.2 When the Knight Wins
A knight is better when the bishop is bad, when the pawns are fixed on the bishop's colour, or when the knight has a strong outpost. In such positions the side with the knight should keep the pawns where they are.
Remember
- Bishops prefer open positions; knights prefer closed ones and outposts.
- The bishop pair is a real advantage in open positions.
- Know your trump: bishops, structure, space or a passed pawn.
- Against the bishop pair, keep the position closed.
Exercises · Lesson 5
Every exercise has been checked with a chess engine. Find the best move or choose the right plan.
Exercise 5.2Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 5.3Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 5.4Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 5.5Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 5.6Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 5.7Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 5.8Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 5.9Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 5.10Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.