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Bishop and Knight Endgames – Master Minor Piece Endings

Minor piece endgames—featuring bishops and knights—are subtle, rich in strategy, and often misunderstood. Knowing when a bishop is better than a knight, how to blockade, or when opposite-colored bishops offer drawing chances can turn small edges into wins or losses into saves.

1. Key Bishop vs Knight Differences

Bishop: Long-range piece, excels in open positions and on both wings.
Knight: Strong in closed positions or when outposts are available.
Rule of Thumb: Bishops often better with pawns on both sides; knights with pawns on one side.

2. Opposite-Colored Bishop Endgames

Often drawn—even with an extra pawn or two.
Winning chances increase if pawns are on both sides and your bishop dominates key diagonals.
Use your king actively to help shift the balance.

3. Same-Colored Bishop Endgames

Favorable for the side with better bishop activity and pawn structure.
Try to create zugzwang or a distant passed pawn.

4. Knight Endgames

Knights need strong outposts and central placement to shine.
Watch for fork threats and blockading squares.
Knights are poor at switching wings quickly—use that to your advantage.

5. Bishop vs Knight Endings

Bishop usually better with pawns on both sides of the board.
Knight can outperform bishop in closed or fixed pawn structures.
In pawn races, bishop usually wins thanks to its reach.

Examples to Study

Capablanca bishop vs knight: Slowly improved position and converted smoothly.
Karpov same-colored bishop win: Squeeze and zugzwang masterpiece.
Opposite-colored bishop fortress: Tal holds with accurate defense.