Bishop Pair - Chess Glossary
Bishop Pair
Definition
The bishop pair (sometimes written “the two bishops”) refers to a side that still possesses both of its bishops while the opponent has lost at least one. In practice it describes an enduring material–positional asset: two long-range pieces that operate on opposite coloured diagonals and can coordinate to exert pressure across the whole board.
Why It Matters Strategically
Possessing the bishop pair often yields several advantages:
- Long-range power. The bishops can simultaneously influence distant sectors, switch wings quickly, and create threats from safety.
- Complementary colours. One bishop covers light squares, the other dark, making it difficult for the opponent to find a completely safe colour complex.
- Endgame potency. In simplified positions, especially with pawns on both flanks, the two bishops can dominate a bishop+knight or two-knight combination. Theory often counts the bishop pair as a half-pawn bonus.
- Synergy with open lines. When the centre is fluid or open, their unobstructed diagonals increase in value.
Typical Plans for the Side with the Bishop Pair
- Open the position. Pawn breaks like …d5 or f4–f5 seek to clear diagonals.
- Avoid exchanges. Keep at least one bishop; swap off opposing bishops/knights when favourable.
- Switch wings quickly. Threaten on one flank, then strike on the other where the bishops’ scope prevails.
- Target colour complexes. Fix opponent’s pawns on one colour and penetrate on the opposite colour.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
Recognition of the bishop pair’s strength dates back to the 19th century, but it was Wilhelm Steinitz who first formulated its strategic value. Later, José Raúl Capablanca and Bobby Fischer famously championed it, with Fischer quipping, “Tactics flow from a superior position—especially from the two bishops.”
Illustrative Game
Fischer leverages the bishop pair versus a bishop+knight:
[[Pgn| 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 Qc7 9. O-O-O Nbd7 10. g4 b5 11. Bxf6 Nxf6 12. g5 Nd7 13. f5 Ne5 14. Qg3 b4 15. Nce2 Bd7 16. Nf4 exf5 17. exf5 Rc8 18. Nd5 Qc5 19. Bg2 Kd8 20. Rhe1 Bf8 21. Rxe5 dxe5 22. Qxe5 h6 23. g6 fxg6 24. Nf4 Qxe5 25. Nfe6+ Ke7 26. Nxf8 Kxf8 27. Ne6+ Bxe6 28. fxe6 Ke7 29. Rd7+ Kxe6 30. Bh3+ |fen|r2qkb1r/1n1n1pp1/p2pp3/8/1p6/8/PPPP1PPP/2KR1BNR]]Fischer–Taimanov, Candidates QF 3, Vancouver 1971. After 10…b5, White concedes a minor piece (11.Bxf6) but gains the bishop pair plus attacking prospects. The bishops slice the board, culminating in overwhelming pressure on both wings.
Modern Evaluation Metrics
Computer engines typically assign a bonus of +0.25 to +0.50 pawns to the side with the bishop pair in neutral positions. The exact value fluctuates with pawn structure and king safety.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In elite databases, the side with the bishop pair scores roughly 55 % from equal positions after move 20—statistically significant.
- Some openings, like the Nimzo-Indian, revolve around Black giving up the bishop pair early in exchange for structural damage (doubling White’s c-pawns).
- Endgame tablebases confirm that bishop pair vs. two knights is often won even with very reduced material when pawns remain on both sides of the board.
- The famous “wrong-bishop rule” (a bishop on the wrong colour of the queening square) does not diminish the value of the bishop pair; only one bishop must be of the “right” colour for promotion assistance.
Quick Reference
- Positional bonus: ≈ ½ pawn
- Best in: open or semi-open centres, endgames with pawns on both wings
- Typical counterplay: block diagonals, trade a bishop, create closed pawn chains