What is Opposite-coloured bishops in chess?
When both sides have one bishop each, but they travel on different coloured squares.
Opposite-coloured bishop endings are famously drawish because neither bishop can attack the other or control the same squares. However, in the middlegame they can be dangerous because the attacker's bishop operates without interference.
Spot opposite-coloured bishops in your own games
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Analyze my games →More chess terms
- 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.
- FortressA defensive setup where the weaker side builds an impenetrable wall to force a draw despite being down material.
- Lucena positionThe key winning setup in rook-and-pawn vs rook endgames, solved by 'building a bridge.'
- Philidor positionThe key drawing defense in rook-and-pawn vs rook endgames.