Different colored Bishops

Hi. I didnt know where to put this subject. But anyways. I was wondering what the cons when you are facing a bishop on different colored squares than yours.

I was using the Chess mentor. There the author said that I should prevent to go one on one against a bishop on the other color.

Why is that?

Thanks in advance :)

I have no specific position.

But what you are saying is it depends on the position?

Opposite coloured bishops will draw most endgames unless there is a decent disparity in material (e.g. generally at least two pawns if the bishops are the only pieces left) or other pieces on the board. This is because, as azure pointed out, each bishop has no way of countering the other and therefore all the defending player needs to do is set up a blockade on whatever colour squares his/her bishop happens to be on, and there is virtually nothing the oppponent can do.

On the other hand, during the middlegame opposite colour bishops are a great advantage for the attacker, as it is impossible for the defender's bishop to guard the squares the attacking bishop attacks. So my guess is that your Chess Mentor position was a semi-endgame sort of position, where your side had a small material advantage and trading to opposite coloured bishops would almost certainly wreck your winning chances, or at least make the win unneccesarily difficult.

That makes sence. So its a depends on the other material and the phase of the game.

Thank you for the clarification guys.

Not much to add to what has already said, but if I respond anyway, Chess.com will give me a point!!   The first thing that came to mind regarding the question of  Bishops on different colors was that all things being equal, which they seldom are, the game is more likely to end up as a draw. Main reason being you have these two pieces on the board who don't have the ability to attach each other.

Nice to see a poster from Forøyar!!! (Faroe Islands)

I guess 50 years or so ago before regular commercial shipping become common, some Faroe Islanders would while the cold winters away indoors playing chess and other games.

Certainly your brethren in Iceland are remarkably good chess players:

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-players/the-greatness-of-icelandic-chess

http://www.faroechess.com/

If i'm in trouble in a game, I always see whether I can swap off to opposite Bishops. Even quite good players are not always alert to the fact that these endings are often drawn, even with material inequality.

Look through my games, I have a higher draw percentage than most, and many of those were against stronger players, a pawn (or 2) down and opposite Bishops.

A half point is better than nothing.

Hehe we have some great chess players in the Faroes.  Especially when we are so few. And everyone knows how to play. Which is great.

And you make a good point rooperi. Guess its time to try for some draws now and again.

Play it again, estragon :)

OK