Knights fork, bishops skewer
What is better : bishop or knight ?
Sort:
Apr 13, 2023
0
#23
I think that which piece is more powerful depends on the situation. If there are less pieces on the board then the bishop is more valuable , but if there are more pieces on the board then the knight as it can fork more easily because it can jump pieces.
Without color lock, a bishop would be worth four pawns.
Knights start stronger than bishops, but they decline in value as the game continues. I prefer to sacrifice my knights for bishops. Two bishops have an advantage over two knights or a knight and bishop. So I think that bishops are better. In fact, I rate bishops quarter a pawn higher than a knight.
A lone knight is 2 pawns against a bare king. Two knights is worth 3.5 pawns and cannot force mate. Yet 3 knights is worth 9 pawns and can force mate.
A lone bishop is 2.5 pawns vs bare king. Bishop pair is worth 7 pawns. Two or more same color bishops is 3.5 pawns vs bare king.
Knights and bishops are never equal. They do two different things. What is equal is their perceived material value.
Beug
Apr 14, 2023
0
#34
the modern approach is, depends on the position but when in doubt choose bishop.
The value of pieces is not just based on their inherent characteristic but synergy with other pieces. Bishops of different colors synergize naturally whereas knights are very particular when they synergize.
the problem is, suppose you had a good knight and a bishop vs two bishops. Even if the knight is a monster. the side with the two bishops just needs to swap one bishop for the knight , likely on an outpost to equalize. But if two bishops are good the two pieces drawing chances depend on trying to force a trade which is not alwayss possible if the bishops have good mobility. The situations where two knights are superior to two bishops are fairly rare.
in an opening you almost ways need something extra to trade bishop for knight. you need to damage pawn structure, get a hold of key squares,gain tempo, etc. Bishops are simply less particular as to when they prove advantageous.
Knights
SeaWing7000 said " I know that but what about in openings like the Ruy Lopez?" In openings like the Ruy Lopez, I assume that you are referring to the move order, 1.e4,e5 2.Nf3,Nc3 3.Bb5,... and black responds with 3. ...,a6. Black basically puts the question to White as to whether he wishes to trade the light squared bishop for the knight on c6. Or retreating the bishop to be used in later stages of the game. The move order is generally 1.e4,e5 2.Nf3,Nc6 3.Bb5,a6 4.Ba4,b5 5.Bb3,Nf6 6.c3,Be7 . In simple terms, you can play either line. I personally think that retreating the bishop is the best option. With the bishop on c2, it possess a good diagonal attack against blacks castled king. The exchange line ( 4. Bxc6,...) i feel releases the central tension too soon. Some beginners play the exchange line because they falsely believe that they win the e5 pawn by playing 4.Bxc6,dxc6 5.Nxe5, but Qd4! attacking the knight on e5. The knight retreats to f3 and the black Qxe4 with check. The Queens are exchanged for an even position.