Bishop: a practical example
A light-squared bishop can never capture a piece sitting on a dark square unless that piece later changes squares. Owning bishops of both colors can provide complementary control, particularly when the position opens and long diagonals become available.
How to use the idea in your games
Evaluate the bishop's actual routes rather than its nominal value. Pawns on the bishop's color can restrict it, but they may also protect important squares and support a concrete plan.
A useful study question
Can you explain bishop in your own words, identify it in a position, and describe when the idea does not apply? Test the explanation on a legal board before relying on it.
Connect the ideas
Diagonal, Pawn chain, Fianchetto are useful next concepts. Follow the links to compare definitions and examples, then return to the complete chess glossary whenever an unfamiliar term appears.
Sources & further reading
References checked September 5, 2026. Linked services are independent of ChessRankings.com™.