Chapter 02 · Beginner · 3 min
The bishop
A bishop stays on one color forever and slides along diagonals. Quiet at first, dangerous when the board opens.
Explanation
The bishop slides diagonally and always stays on one color.
A bishop placed on a light square will never visit a dark square. A bishop placed on a dark square will never visit a light square. This is his great strength and his limit: he can control very far, but only on his network of diagonals.
To make a madman useful, you have to open diagonals for him. Often, this involves a small pawn move that clears its path. A bishop stuck behind his own pawns may be technically alive, but emotionally he is already on a coffee break.
To remember
The bishop moves diagonally and remains on the same color of squares for the entire game.
Classic error
Forget that a light square bishop will never be able to attack a dark square.
Player Tip
Open the diagonals with your pawns: a bishop locks up, it's a piece that watches the game through the window.