Minor-piece endings · intermediate
Same-color bishops
Use two passed pawns to overload the defending bishop.
The rule
The defending bishop can stop one pawn. Your king and second pawn must give it two jobs.
How to play it
- 1
Find the free passer
Compare both pawn routes with the defending bishop’s current diagonal.
- 2
Give the bishop two jobs
Advance the pawn that forces the bishop to leave the other wing.
- 3
Escort with the king
Use the king to deny the next blockading diagonal before pushing again.
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.Check the bishop’s diagonal
- 2.Advance the free passer
- 3.Recalculate after the bishop moves
Check each reply because
A pawn push is safe only after the bishop has committed to a diagonal that cannot reach its route.
Stop when
The bishop changes diagonals, checks the king, or attacks either passer.
Common mistake
Pushing one pawn alone lets the bishop hold a permanent blockade.
Use the active bishop and king to promote the extra pawn.
Start with a comfortable clock. Reduce it when the position feels familiar. Your record is 0/0.