Bishop

The bishop is a chess piece that moves diagonally any number of squares, always remaining on the same color square throughout the game.

Each player starts with two bishops: one that travels on light squares and one on dark squares. This color-bound nature is one of the bishop’s defining characteristics — it can never influence the squares of the opposite color. When a bishop’s own pawns block its key diagonals, it becomes what is known as a "bad bishop."

The bishop is generally valued at around 3 points, roughly equal to a knight. However, its true strength depends heavily on the position. In open positions with long, unobstructed diagonals, the bishop can be a devastating long-range weapon. In closed positions — where pawns lock up the center — a knight’s ability to jump over pieces often makes it more effective.

In practice, aim to develop your bishops onto active diagonals early in the game, and avoid placing your own pawns on squares that restrict their movement. Holding the bishop pair — keeping both bishops while your opponent has lost one of theirs — is a well-known strategic advantage in open or semi-open positions.