![\"Image](\"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image-5.jpeg\")
1. What you need to know about the Bishop Pair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In chess, a general principle is keeping a bishop pair is considered a significant advantage. Bishops are strong long-range pieces<\/a> controlling large sections of the board in open positions. 2 Bishops are particularly useful in the end game<\/a>, with an open pawn structure and fewer pieces remaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a bishop pair, it is easier to force checkmate by attacking the opponent’s king from multiple angles. I will cover the 2 Bishop checkmate later in the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we go any further, there is something you are going to need when considering everything in this guide, and that, my friends, is a pair of bishops on the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, we are gifted these in the starting position in chess, all we have to do now is understand the value of a bishop in chess and the added benefit of keeping the pair for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I guarantee, after reading this guide and applying what you learn, you will find yourself considering them far more in your game, giving them, and your opponents, more respect, but also find yourself in more advantageous positions to go on, win games, and improve your chess rating<\/a> – So, let’s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a debate as to whether a pair of bishops is stronger than a pair of knights. There is no conclusive answer as it will depend upon the position of play at any time. However, the good thing is, that if your strategy<\/a> includes the Bishop pair, you will have some say as to how the board will look, given you are aiming to create the space required for your bishop pair to be more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is generally agreed that 2 bishops are stronger than 2 knights. This is because bishops are long-range pieces and can cover more ground than knights and control more squares. Additionally, bishops work well in tandem. As a result, 2 bishops are usually seen as a more powerful force than 2 knights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, knights are better in closed positions and do not have the same long-range capabilities as bishops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the major benefits of the Bishop pair is that when they are positioned centrally, bishops can control as many squares as rooks through two different colored diagonal<\/a> routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In open positions, and particularly the endgame where space is more available, it is plain to see how much control the bishop pair can have on the board. This is not the same in closed positions, as we will see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we see a potential endgame position where there is much space, and despite white being a pawn down, having the bishop pair against the rook is an advantage given the control the two bishops provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Black rook has limited options and can be trapped with ease, whilst the bishops carry an ongoing threat<\/a> of check and the two pawns on the flank can be supported to create a passed pawn and almost certain promotion if required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The white king is now also a considerable attacking option, in further limiting black’s movement by advancing up the board<\/p>\n\n\n\n Things are somewhat trickier for a bishop pair in a closed position, with the range of safe movement restricted. Although with the pair intact and with support from the knight and pawns, things can still open up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Getting started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Basic Tips for Using the Bishop Pair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Importance of trying to maintain a Bishop pair as part of your chess strategy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is it better to have 2 bishops or 2 knights?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image-4.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBishop Pair Board Coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/bishop-range-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOpen Positions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image-3.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nClosed Positions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Closed-Position.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Passed Pawn and 2 Bishops can be Deadly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2-bishops-and-passed-pawn.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"forcing](\"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image-6.jpeg\")
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