Bishop versus knight

Compare minor-piece activity with the pawn structure.

By CoachMate. Published: .

Two starting positions. One teaching goal.

Position 1

White to move
Bishop and knight, two wings

Ask: Which squares can your minor piece reach in two moves?

Show FEN2n3k1/pp3p1p/6p1/8/8/6P1/PP3P1P/2B3K1 w - - 0 1

Position 2

Black to move
A locked centre

Ask: Which pawn exchanges would improve its activity?

Show FEN2n3k1/pp3p1p/6p1/3p4/3P4/6P1/PP3P1P/2B3K1 b - - 0 1
On this page

A 35-minute teaching session

  • 5 minutes: show the first board and ask every student to describe a plan before moving.
  • 10 minutes: play the first position with a short time control. Ask players to record one decision they were unsure about.
  • 10 minutes: play the second position and exchange roles. Compare how the changed position or side to move affects the plan.
  • 10 minutes: review two contrasting decisions. Let the students explain first, then demonstrate alternatives on the board.

Ask before giving the answer

  • Which squares can your minor piece reach in two moves?
  • Which pawn exchanges would improve its activity?

Coach's planning notes

Track how the bishop and knight respond to play on both wings.

Use the second position to compare routes around the locked pawns. Ask which exchanges favour each piece.

Put it into practice

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Bishop versus knight: teaching pack | CoachMate