The bishop pair

Steinitz

Two bishops together cover every square on the board. In open positions they are stronger than a knight and bishop or two knights.

The bishop pair: Steinitz

Key ideas

  1. Open the position by trading pawns.
  2. Don't give up one of your bishops without a reason.
  3. Bishops are strongest in open endgames.

When to use it

When you have both bishops and the opponent doesn't, and the position is or can become open.

What each piece is worth

Middlegame strategies