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Good knight versus bad bishop

Author: NM Roger Williamson

Published: 31/08/2023

1. The good knight wins

1. The good knight wins

2. The bad bishop holds

2. The bad bishop holds

A good knight vs bad bishop scenario involves an outposted knight versus a bad bishop. Sometimes the knight completely overpowers the bishop. Generally, however, good knight vs bad bishop is liable to be a 'two result' position, where either the knight wins, or the bishop enables the defender to hold out for a draw.

In position 1 (Fischer - Bolbochan, 1962), the white knight has access to a variety of excellent important squares in his opponent's position.

In position 2 (Salov - Sokolov, 1998), however, black's pawns are arranged so that the knight has nowhere to go.

See: 'Knight outpost' and 'Bad bishop'.