How does the bishop move in chess?

The bishop is a long-range piece that moves any number of squares diagonally and remains on the same square color for the entire game. Each side has one bishop per color, making them complementary (together they cover every square, while individually each controls only half the board).

Given two moves the white bishop can slide diagonally capturing both stars.

How do you take advantage of a bishop's strengths?

Here are concrete ways to maximize your bishop:

• Open the center. Trade pawns to clear diagonals. A bishop with a clear line across the board is worth much more than its 3-point value suggests.
• Fianchetto early. Developing a bishop to the long diagonal in the opening gives it maximum range from the very first moves.
• Avoid same-color pawns. Keep your pawns on the opposite color of your remaining bishop. This keeps diagonals clear and your bishop active.
• Coordinate with your queen. The queen and bishop share diagonal movement. Lining them up on the same diagonal creates devastating batteries.
• Keep both bishops alive as long as you can. Two bishops working together cover every color, creating threats that are extremely hard to defend.

Two white bishops controlling different diagonals. The light-squared bishop delivers mate in two moves. Engine-verified, Elo 1038

How do you defend against an opponent's bishop?

To neutralize an opponent's bishop, keep these principles in mind:

• Block the diagonal. Place your pawns on the same color as the enemy bishop (as long as they can't be captured). A bishop with no open lines is nearly harmless.
• Trade off a minor piece. If your opponent has the bishop pair and you don't, look for a chance to trade one of your minor pieces for one of their bishops.
• Break the pin. If an enemy bishop is pinning one of your pieces, block the diagonal with a pawn or move the pinned piece in a way that defends what's behind it.

The black pawn advances to block the white bishop, cutting off its diagonal and neutralizing it for the rest of the game.

See it in action

Example 1: Bishop captures along the diagonal

Capture both stars in two moves.

Solution: The white bishop slides diagonally forward to the left to capture the first star, then continues diagonally forward to the right to capture the second.

Example 2: Bishop moving backward

Capture both stars in two moves.

Solution: The white bishop slides diagonally backward to capture the first star. Then takes one diagonal step to capture the second.

Example 3: Bishop sweeps across the board

Capture both stars in two moves.

Solution: The white bishop slides diagonally forward to the right to capture the first star. It then continues two squares further to take the second.

Frequently asked questions

Can a bishop move in a straight line (horizontally or vertically)?

No. The bishop can only move diagonally.

Why can't my bishop reach certain squares?

Because the bishop is color-bound. A bishop that starts on a light square can only ever reach light squares. It will never land on a dark square, no matter how many moves you make.

Is a bishop better than a knight?

Neither is objectively better. They are both worth 3 points. The bishop is stronger in open positions with clear diagonals. The knight is stronger in closed positions with lots of pawns. The position decides which piece is more valuable.

What is the bishop pair and why is it important?

The bishop pair means you still have both of your bishops on the board. Together, they cover both colors. This gives you a small but real advantage, especially in open positions. Many strong players try to preserve both bishops whenever possible.

What is a fianchetto?

A fianchetto is a way of developing your bishop. You push the pawn in front of your knight one square, then place the bishop on that square. This aims the bishop along the longest diagonal on the board. It is a common and effective opening strategy.

Reviewed by Jules Schulman, FIDE Rating 1859