Understanding before Moving 18: The bad bishop

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3/14/2021 – Herman Grooten is an International Master, a renowned trainer and the author of several highly acclaimed books about chess training and chess strategy. In the 18th instalment of his ChessBase show “Understanding before Moving”, Herman demonstrates how to play against a passive bishop. | Photo: Hans Hoornstra

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Not only bad but dead

Sometimes a player may end up with a bishop that is walled-in by enemy pawns. Since some of his pawns also prevent him from becoming active, we can consider this bishop a ‘dead’ piece. The opponent can then try to throw his own light piece on the other side of the board into the fray.

With good and accurate play, the ‘dead bishop’ will have to end the game as a spectator.

In the diagram position White has a few strategic advantages. List these examples and decide which move is White’s best continuation. Choose from: A) 34.gxh5 B) 34.h3 and C) 34. Kg3.

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