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Intermediate · 13/20
Good bishop and bad bishop
Judge bishops by the pawn structure and the squares they can reach.
Learn this chess concept step by step, then practise it on the interactive ChessRivo board.
Open interactive lessonAbout this lesson
A bishop can be restricted by its own pawns, while an active bishop works outside the pawn chain or attacks both wings.
Key ideas
- Place pawns on squares that do not imprison your bishop when practical.
- A bad bishop can improve after pawn breaks or exchanges.
- In open positions, bishops often grow stronger.
Coach tip: Do not label a bishop “bad” permanently; ask whether it has a useful job.
Test yourself
Why can a bishop become bad?
- Its own pawns restrict it
- It attacks diagonally
- It is worth three points
Show answer
Correct answer: Its own pawns restrict it
Practise this lesson interactively
Open the ChessRivo Academy board exercise for this exact lesson. Your progress is saved when you are signed in.
Open interactive lessonHow to use this lesson in a real game
Turn the idea into a repeatable decision process.
- Before moving, name the position feature this lesson is about.
- Find one candidate move that follows the lesson idea and one alternative.
- After the game, return to the critical position and compare your choice with the lesson.