Chess Patterns ❯ Condition of Knights and Bishops ❯ Strong Bishop
Strong Bishop
Strong Bishop
A Strong Bishop has several of these features: it controls key squares in the center and in the opponent's half of the board (an "active" Bishop serves an active function), has good mobility (a "good" Bishop is not obstructed by its own pawns), is well-coordinated with other pieces, is placed on a strong support point. In the diagram above, the Bishop on c4 is unassailable and exerts great pressure on the castled King.
Ideas for when you have a Strong Bishop: (1) Control key diagonals and dominate the opponent's pieces, (2) Use Bishop's mobility to create threats, (3) Coordinate with your other pieces to launch effective attacks. Ideas against a Strong Bishop: (1) Limit its activity by placing your pawns on squares of the same color as the Bishop, (2) Exchange the Bishop with one of your pieces.
Designed with Love in Italy
Designed with Love in Italy
These chess icons are our indie studio's tribute to chess lovers around the world. A way of making chess more visual and fun. You can use the icons for free in publicly accessible content, simply by crediting us (see our Licensing Policy). Each icon is paired with examples and numbered insights to help you pick up ideas quickly and talk about chess with confidence. You can get the cards here.



Master the Strong Bishop
When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on Strong Bishops. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this type of advantage.
-
11 Ways To Use Your Bishops Effectively
This excellent video by Chess Vibes teaches you how to make the most of your Bishops. Start here.
-
8 Shocking Facts About the Bishop You Were Never Taught in Chess
Take a look at this video by KaspaChess. It helps you understand how Bishops can be very powerful pieces, with a particular focus on the opening phase.
-
Hammertime In Norway: Anand And Bishop Power*
In this Chess.com video, GM Hammer analyzes a game he played against legend Vishy Anand in which the former World Champion masterfully used the power of the Bishop to outclass Hammer. Have fun with it.
-
The Power of Pawns: Chess Structure Fundamentals for Post-beginners*
This is a very good book by Jorg Hickl. It's a great introduction to the most important pawn structures, how to recognize them and exploit them. An important section is dedicated to pawns and bishops.
-
This book is part of the very interesting "Mastering..." series by Johan Hellsten. It covers the basic concepts in a VERY thorough way. The power and limitations of bishops included. For intermediate and advanced readers.