Beginner 1

How the Bishop Moves and Captures

Learn how bishops slide along diagonals and how to place them on long, open lines.

Meet the Bishop

Bishops move on diagonals only. Each bishop lives on just one colour: light or dark. In this lesson you will see how bishops slide across the board, how they capture, and why they become very strong when the centre is open.

Illustration of a bishop in chess

A bishop is like a laser on the board — it glides along diagonals and can suddenly cut through to attack from far away.

Play a Bishop Game vs Computer

Now you will practice using your bishops in a real game. You will play as White with a king, two bishops, and pawns. Stockfish will play as Black with the same material.

  • Place your bishops on long, open diagonals where they can see many squares.
  • Use your pawns to open lines so your bishops are not stuck behind their own pieces.
  • Try to aim both bishops at the enemy king or weak pawns.

Play a few games and watch how a pair of bishops can work together like two long-range snipers.

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