1. It could defend mate on the g2 or g7 squares. 2. It is the only safe square. 3. They need to re route the bishop to another diagonal and the back rank is the only place to do it. 4. They need to move the bishop to activate another piece or push a pawn and this was the safest square. 5. The piece is better on the back rank in that position then it was in the more advanced square due to what it controls on that diagonal in that position.
Why do advanced chess players sometimes retreat their bishop to the back rank in quiet positions?
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Why do advanced chess players sometimes retreat their bishop to the back rank in quiet positions?