Good bishop

A good bishop can travel along useful diagonals and take part in the game. It is often outside its own pawn chain, meaning a group of pawns linked diagonally, or has most of its own pawns on the opposite color. The pawns then control one color while the bishop covers the other.

The label depends on function, not on an automatic color rule. A bishop may have many available squares yet attack nothing; another may look restricted but defend critical squares or prevent an invasion. Judge its safe mobility, available targets, and ability to switch from one area to another.

Ways to improve a bishop

• Create an open diagonal through a pawn advance or exchange.
• Develop the bishop outside the pawn chain before fixing the pawns.
• Move or exchange pawns that block its routes.
• Create targets on the color of squares the bishop controls.

Good and bad describe the piece's current condition, not a permanent identity. One pawn exchange can transform the bishop. It may also be correct to trade a good bishop when the exchange removes an important defender, wins a piece or pawn, or reaches a favorable phase with few pieces.