ChessA bishop only ever moves on one color, so half the board is out of its reach forever. Put two bishops together, though, and they cover both the light and the dark squares, so the whole board is under control. That's why, when one side still has both bishops and the other has only one or none, we say that side has the bishop pair, and it usually counts as a small advantage. To feel the power of two bishops yourself, play chess against the computer.
Why the bishop pair is stronger
On the chess piece values chart, knights and bishops are both worth 3. But two bishops together are often worth about half a pawn more than bishop and knight, or two knights:
- They complement each other: one covers the light squares, the other the dark squares, so enemy pieces and pawns can't hide on either color.
- Long range: a bishop can hit one corner of the board from the other, so switching the attack from one side to the other is quick.
- Especially strong in the endgame: the fewer pieces and the emptier the board, the better two bishops get. King and two bishops can even checkmate a lone king; see two bishops mate.
Is it worth giving up the bishop pair?
In many openings, one side deliberately trades a bishop for a knight and hands the bishop pair to the opponent in exchange for something else:
White's idea: Black's pawns are a bit messed up, and in the endgame White's extra kingside pawn is healthier. Black's idea: once the position opens up, the bishops will only get stronger. Both have a point. That's what a strategic trade-off looks like.
With the bishop pair: open the position
- Trade off the central pawns: the clearer the diagonals, the stronger the bishops.
- Don't rush to trade a bishop: the advantage comes from having "both together". Trade one and it's gone.
- Take your time: the bishop pair is a long-term edge. No need to rush an attack; the emptier the board gets, the more it's worth.
Against the bishop pair: keep it closed and trade one off
- Put your pawns on the same color as the bishop: block its diagonals with pawns so it can't get out.
- Keep the position closed: when the central pawns are locked, knights are better than bishops.
- Look for a chance to trade a knight for one of the bishops: trade just one and the bishop pair is gone.
FAQ
Are two bishops always better than bishop and knight?
Not always. In closed positions with lots of pawns, knights are often better than bishops. The bishop pair is better "on average", but it still depends on the pawns and where the pieces stand.
Roughly how much is the bishop pair worth?
The usual estimate is about half a pawn extra. Treat that number as a guide: the more open the position, the more it's worth.
If my opponent has one bishop left and I have two, do I have the bishop pair?
Yes. The bishop pair means you still have both bishops and your opponent doesn't. Whether they have one bishop or none, you have the bishop pair.
Try it yourself
Play chess for free against the computer, try to hang on to both your bishops, then trade off the central pawns to open the diagonals. Rooks like open positions too, so read open file next.