When two bishops outweigh a rook and a minor piece.
Step 1 of 3
The bishop pair in open positions
Concept
The bishop pair in open positions
Two bishops cover light AND dark: whole-board control. Worth about half a pawn in open positions. Open the files, trade pawns on a wing, keep both bishops on the board.
Remember
• Bishop pair: roughly half a pawn of advantage, more in open positions.
• Light and dark coverage together: whole-board control.
• Open the position: trade pawns, create files, long diagonals do the work.
• Closed structures: knights beat bishops. Open them up first.