knight vs bishop: what piece do you value more

if i'm playing my standard game, i tend to hold onto my knight whenever possible. if i'm gonns lose one, i'll trade the bishop.

It depends

i understand it depends on the game...personally, though, i feel the knight has more overall value more often.

There is no general rule here. Often a bishop is better if there are open lines and the bishop can use its long distance powers to influence both sides of the board. A knight is often better if it can sit undisturbed on an advanced central square. But these are only generalities. Every position is DIFFERENT. Generalities are no substitute for a careful study and understanding of the unique position you are playing.

In a similar way there is no general rule about preferring two rooks for a queen or a piece for three pawns. Chess would be a boring game if we could just memorize a short list of principles that would tell us how to play.

good point...