The Bishop in Chess
The bishop is a chess piece that moves and captures diagonally across the board. It is classified as a long-range piece and is defined by its ability to control diagonal lines from a distance.
Each player begins the game with two bishops.
What Is the Bishop in Chess?
The bishop is a chess piece whose movement is limited to diagonal paths. Because of this movement pattern, each bishop remains on the same colour square for the entire game.
Bishops are classified as minor pieces, along with knights.
How the Bishop Moves
The bishop may move any number of squares diagonally, as long as no piece blocks its path.
It can move:
- Diagonally forward
- Diagonally backward
The bishop cannot move horizontally or vertically.
Movement Restrictions of the Bishop
The bishop is subject to standard movement restrictions:
- It cannot jump over other pieces
- It cannot pass through occupied squares
- It cannot make a move that leaves its own king in an illegal position
If any piece blocks a diagonal, the bishop must stop before that square.
Light-Square and Dark-Square Bishops
Each bishop begins the game on either a light-coloured square or a dark-coloured square.
Because the bishop moves only diagonally:
- A light-square bishop will always remain on light squares
- A dark-square bishop will always remain on dark squares
A bishop can never switch square colours during a game.
This colour-bound movement is a defining characteristic of the piece.
How the Bishop Captures Pieces
The bishop captures an opponent’s piece by moving diagonally onto the square that piece occupies.
The captured piece is then removed from the board.
A bishop cannot capture a piece if another piece blocks the diagonal path, or if the target square is not on a diagonal from the bishop’s current position.
The Bishop’s Starting Position
At the start of the game:
- White bishops begin on c1 and f1
- Black bishops begin on c8 and f8
Each player starts with:
- One light-square bishop
- One dark-square bishop
The Value of the Bishop in Chess
In relative piece valuation, the bishop is commonly assigned a value of three points.
This value reflects:
- Its long-range diagonal movement
- Its classification as a minor piece
- Its influence compared to other pieces
Piece values are relative and used primarily for evaluation purposes.
Bishop Notation in Chess
In algebraic notation, the bishop is represented by the letter B.
Examples:
Bc4Bxe6
Special symbols such as check and checkmate are explained separately.
Common Misunderstandings About the Bishop
- Bishops cannot move in straight lines
- Bishops cannot jump over other pieces
- Bishops always stay on the same colour squares
Understanding these basic rules helps avoid illegal moves and confusion during play.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Bishop in Chess
How does the bishop move in chess?
The bishop moves diagonally and may travel any number of squares in one move, as long as no piece blocks its path.
Why does a bishop stay on the same colour squares?
Because it moves only diagonally, a bishop always remains on the same colour square it started on.
How many bishops does each player have?
Each player begins the game with two bishops: one on a light square and one on a dark square.
Can a bishop jump over other pieces?
No. If a piece blocks a diagonal, the bishop cannot move or capture beyond it.
How does a bishop capture another piece?
A bishop captures by moving diagonally onto the square occupied by an opponent’s piece.
What is the value of a bishop in chess?
A bishop is commonly valued at three points in relative piece valuation.