A knight on a strong outpost can dominate a “bad bishop” trapped behind its own pawns. This classic imbalance is one of the most important to master.
Even with extra pawns, opposite-colored bishop endings often end in draws. However, with queens still on the board, these positions can be highly attacking.
With both bishops on the same color, controlling key diagonals is decisive. These endgames often hinge on zugzwang or pawn weaknesses.
Knights thrive in blocked pawn structures where their ability to jump over pawns becomes a strength. Recognize when to aim for such positions.
With open lines and pawns on both sides of the board, bishops usually dominate knights. Activate bishops on long diagonals to maximize their strength.
In knight vs bishop endings, pawn weaknesses often decide the game. Fix weak pawns and maneuver the knight to attack them.
Even a strong knight or bishop cannot win alone. Learn to coordinate king and minor piece together for maximum impact in endgames.
Sometimes the defending side can build a fortress, especially in opposite-colored bishop endings. Knowing these setups prevents wasted effort.
Before exchanging into minor-piece endgames, evaluate whether the resulting imbalance favors you. Aim to head into endings where your minor piece is superior.
Games by players like Capablanca and Karpov are rich with instructive knight vs bishop endings. Study them to gain a deep feel for these imbalances.