Fianchetto: a practical example
A bishop on g2 may exert pressure toward the center and queenside from a distance. If the center becomes blocked by pawns on its diagonal, the bishop's influence may be delayed until a pawn break or exchange opens the line.
How to use the idea in your games
Protect the squares weakened by the pawn move as well as enjoying the bishop's activity. Exchanging the fianchettoed bishop can leave important holes around the king.
A useful study question
Can you explain fianchetto 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
Bishop, Diagonal, Weak square 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™.