Minor-piece endings · intermediate
Bishop vs knight
Use the bishop’s range to support the pawn and restrict the knight.
The rule
The bishop can support the pawn and control distant knight squares at the same time.
How to play it
- 1
Take away outposts
Control the knight’s best blockading squares with the bishop.
- 2
Create two threats
Attack squares far enough apart that the knight cannot cover both.
- 3
Advance with tempo
Push when the bishop also attacks the knight’s route.
Study the line, then play it
Step through the example. Then play your moves from the same position.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Move 0 of 4
Starting position
Play through the line one move at a time.
Before you play
Moves to queue
- 1.Pawn advances with check
- 2.Bishop check
Safe when
After f7+, Ba5+ stays sound against every legal king reply or becomes illegal and cancels.
Stop when
After Ba5+, verify the king’s square before choosing whether and how to promote.
Common mistake
Trading the bishop before checking the pawn ending can throw away the win.
Promote the pawn while restricting the knight.
Start with a comfortable clock. Reduce it when the position feels familiar. Your record is 0/0.