What is Long diagonal in chess?
The two eight-square diagonals that run from corner to corner (a1-h8 and a8-h1).
Bishops and queens placed on a long diagonal exert maximum influence. Fianchettoed bishops are especially powerful because they sit on a long diagonal and can influence both sides of the board at once.
Spot long diagonal in your own games
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Analyze my games →More chess terms
- CentreThe four central squares d4, d5, e4, and e5 - the most important real estate on the board.
- FlankThe queenside (a through d files) or kingside (e through h files) wings of the board.
- Square colourEach bishop is permanently locked to either light squares or dark squares for the whole game.
- BlunderA move that throws away material or the game, usually for nothing.
- ForkOne piece attacking two or more enemy pieces at the same time.
- PinA piece can't move because doing so would expose a more valuable piece behind it.