Seirawan's book confusing over numeric value of pieces

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stwils

I have just gotten Seirawan's "Winning Chess Strategies." On page 7 he says that Knights are worth 2 points and Bishops worth 3.  I always thought they were equal.

Then I looked in the glossary in the back of the book and he says Bishops are worth 3 points and Knights worth 3 points.

I am sure he will discuss this further in the book and as I am only on page 7 maybe I am being a bit premature to ask about this. And I am assuming at various stages of the game bishops are better than knights and vice versa.

To me this point count of his matters to me in the opening as I do not then want to give up a Bishop for a Knight.

Any thoughts?

stwils

Mm40

He probably just made a mistake or typo.

BirdsDaWord

It was definetely a typo.  If you know anything about Seirawan's style, you will know that he likes knights! :-)

likesforests

Bishops are worth the same as knights according to most people.

If you want to get advanced, the bishop pair (possessing both bishops) is worth 1/2 pawn. Also, in open positions bishops are better while in closed positions knights are better. Your book will likely discuss these principles in detail if you read a bit further.

Enormous_Gastropod

There is some debate to the precise value of the chessmen. There is the Reinfeld value system and the Kaufman value system. Read this short article for an introduction to the concept. It seems that the Kaufman system is the more scientifically tested method. Of course, unique positions can increase or decrease the worth of a chessman, but this is just generally speaking.

stwils

I have the older Microsoft publishers edition. If anyone has the newer edition Everyman Chess edition, then look and see if the typo is there! Should be on page 7 in the newer edition,2005.

stwils