Bishop vs Knight Endgames
The eternal question: bishop or knight? In the endgame, the answer depends almost entirely on the pawn structure. Open positions favour the bishop; closed positions favour the knight. This guide provides practical frameworks for playing both sides.
When the bishop wins
The bishop dominates when:
- Pawns are on both sides of the board, the bishop's long range covers both flanks.
- The position is open, no pawn chains blocking diagonals.
- The knight has no outpost, no secure square protected by a pawn.
- There are passed pawns, the bishop supports distant passed pawns better than a knight.
When the knight wins
The knight is superior when:
- The position is closed, pawns are locked.
- The knight has a stable outpost, a square it can't be driven from.
- Pawns are on one side only, the bishop's range advantage is neutralised.
- The opponent has pawns on the same colour as their bishop, the bishop is "bad."
Practical techniques
With the bishop: Create passed pawns on both flanks. Force the knight to choose which side to defend, it can't cover both. Trade the bishop's weakness (it only covers one colour) by keeping pawns off its colour. With the knight: Keep the position closed. Find a permanent outpost. Create a fortress if necessary. Blockade passed pawns with the knight, it's the best blockader.
Training
Play B vs N endgames against the computer from both sides. Study Fischer's endgames in the legends database, he was a master of bishop endings.