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The legendary battle between the bishop and the knight is always present in a game of chess, highlighting the importance of understanding and considering key aspects that can guide us in this colossal struggle.
First, we’ll learn the characteristics of each piece, and then delve into how we can leverage their unique strengths and weaknesses.
From a mobility standpoint, the bishop is superior to the knight because it can move from one flank to another with greater ease and speed, making it very strong in open positions. Its limitation, however, is that it can only control squares of one color. On the other hand, the knight is slower at transitioning from one side to the other. Its strength lies in its ability to jump over other pieces, which is advantageous in closed positions. Additionally, it can operate on squares of both colors.
It is remarkable that these pieces, with such different characteristics, are each valued at 3 points. However, the reality is more nuanced: their value often depends on their activity on the board and the specific characteristics of the position.
Words alone can’t do justice, so we present some examples to clarify when one is superior to the other, and vice versa.
In the previous two positions, the great superiority of a knight over a bishop is evident when pawns are blocked, regardless of whether it’s an endgame or a middlegame. Additionally, when the pawns are placed on the same color as the bishop, it becomes practically ineffective. This leads us to an important piece of advice: when we have a bishop on our side, it’s crucial to place the pawns on squares of the opposite color to avoid limiting its mobility.
It’s also worth noting that the superior knight's advantage doesn’t win the game outright on its own. Instead, it offers greater control, which provides various opportunities to increase the advantage. For example, a well-positioned knight can control many squares, restricting the mobility of enemy pieces and allowing its own pieces greater freedom on the board.
Another example of a superior knight, even though the bishop is not completely restricted, is when the pawn on d5 significantly reduces the bishop’s activity and mobility. Meanwhile, the white knight controls many central squares, giving its forces greater freedom. For instance, if White promptly moves its major pieces to the E file, it will be challenging for Black to maintain a stable position on the board.
As reflected in the previous patterns, it is crucial to always direct our knights to central positions, and even better if it’s to a weak square in the opponent’s camp. This allows the knight to remain there for an extended period, leaving the opposing pieces in a state of complete passivity.
A fundamental characteristic of the knight is its unique movement on the board, which makes it the best piece for blocking. Not only is it better in this role than the bishop, but it also surpasses all other pieces in this function. Why is the knight the best piece for blocking or stopping a pawn? As shown in the previous diagram, the knight halts the F-pawn while simultaneously attacking the base pawns on E and G. Only a knight has the power to perform such an action.
I’ll conclude by adding that the knight is my favorite piece. Studying this brilliant piece will grant you the ability to execute subtle maneuvers and strategies that only it can achieve.
When we talk about a bishop, open positions immediately come to mind. We all understand that a bishop is superior to a knight under such conditions, but the reality is more nuanced. The key to this superiority lies in the pawns. Generally, pawns are needed on both sides of the board—a situation we will define as an imbalance in the pawn structure. Without this instability, it is difficult for the bishop to stand out over the knight.
Why does the bishop need an imbalance in the pawn structure to make a difference? Because its long range allows it to attack both flanks from a single position, something the knight cannot achieve. Furthermore, the greater the imbalance, the more powerful the bishop becomes in comparison to the knight.
Observe the following examples that illustrate this principle.
A position where White should easily win the endgame clearly highlights the importance of having pawns on both sides of the board for the bishop to make a difference. If we were to remove the White and Black pawns from one of the flanks, the endgame would easily result in a draw, emphasizing the critical role of imbalance in the pawn structure.
A simple yet powerful example of a bishop’s superiority in open positions with pawns on both flanks demonstrates how imbalance in the pawn structure amplifies its strength. The bishop on d4 possesses the unique ability to neutralize the enemy’s advance while simultaneously supporting the progress of its own pawns. In contrast, the knight can only attempt one of these functions at a time.
You now have a foundational understanding of the distinct strengths and roles of the bishop and knight and their strategic importance in various positions. Mastery of these concepts can greatly enhance your decision-making and appreciation of the nuances in chess. To further refine your skills and explore advanced strategies involving these two fascinating pieces, consider diving deeper with personalized lessons.
