Good vs. Bad Bishops
In chess, not all bishops are created equal. A "bad bishop" is one restricted by its own pawns, limiting its mobility and influence. Recognizing when a bishop is bad—and knowing how to trade it off or improve it—is a subtle but crucial strategic skill that often decides the outcome of endgames.
In chess, a Bishop's strength is determined by the Pawns. A Bad Bishop is blocked by its own pawns, while a Good Bishop is free to move because its pawns are on opposite-colored squares.
1. The Bad Bishop (The Prisoner)
Look at the position below. Black's Light-Squared Bishop is "Bad." Why? Because Black's central pawns (e6 and d5) are fixed on light squares. They act like a brick wall, limiting the Bishop's scope.
Fig 1: The "French Bishop" on c8 is trapped by its own pawns.
- The Problem: The bishop has no targets and cannot attack.
- The Result: It acts like a "Tall Pawn," defending passively but offering no attack.
2. The Good Bishop (The Sniper)
Now look at White's Light-Squared Bishop. It is a "Good Bishop." White's central pawns are on dark squares, meaning the light squares are open highways for the bishop to control.
Fig 2: White's Bishop on d3 has clear diagonals to attack.
Strategic Rule
Place your pawns on the OPPOSITE color of your bishop. This ensures your bishop is never blocked and can attack the squares your pawns cannot reach.