What is Bishop pair in chess?
Having both bishops while the opponent has lost one or both of theirs.
Two bishops together cover all squares of both colours. In open positions with few pawn blocks, the bishop pair is a well-recognised long-term advantage.
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- Good bishopA bishop whose diagonals are not blocked by its own pawns.
- Bad bishopA bishop blocked by its own pawns on the same colour, severely limiting its usefulness.
- Opposite-coloured bishopsWhen both sides have one bishop each, but they travel on different coloured squares.
- OverprotectionDefending a key piece or square with more defenders than it needs, to prevent any tactics.
- OppositionA king-and-pawn endgame technique of facing kings with one square between them.
- ZugzwangA position where any move you make worsens your position.