Minor Piece Endgames

Endgames featuring bishops and knights have their own character.

In this section

• Bishop vs Knight — Which piece is better depends on the pawn structure and position
• Same-colour bishops — Endings with bishops on the same colour
• Opposite-colour bishops — Strong drawing tendencies with powerful attacking chances
• Good vs bad bishop — A bishop blocked by its own pawns is a major liability
• Knight endgames — Unique properties of knights in the endgame

General Principles

• Bishops need open diagonals
• Knights need outposts
• Neither piece is universally superior—position determines value