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Queen endings · intermediate

Queen vs bishop

Restrict the king, bring up your king, and fork the bishop.

The rule

Checks alone will not win a protected bishop. Restrict both pieces, then bring up your king.

How to play it

  1. 1

    Limit the king

    Take away a rank or file before beginning the checks.

  2. 2

    Change the checking line

    Alternate diagonal and straight checks so the bishop cannot block every time.

  3. 3

    Bring the king

    Once boxed, remove the final protected squares with your king.

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 5

Starting position

Play through the line one move at a time.

Before you play

Moves to calculate

  1. 1.Restrict the king and bishop
  2. 2.Read the bishop’s diagonal
  3. 3.Approach behind the queen

Check each reply because

Only the king approach stays fixed after the queen restricts both pieces.

Stop when

A bishop move changes the safe checking line or creates a skewer.

Common mistake

Repeated checks without improving your position let the bishop stay beside its king.

Win the bishop or force checkmate.

Start with a comfortable clock. Reduce it when the position feels familiar. Your record is 0/0.

Start this drill

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