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Date: 26 Sep 2008 10:20:56
From: John Salerno
Subject: Good squares for the bishop (opening)
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I know it mainly depends on various factors in the current game, but usually
c4 and f4/g5 are good squares to place the bishops as a first move, and I
also know why (the c4 diagonal stares down at the kingside corner, the f4
diagonal does the same on the queenside, and g5 often helps pin the knight
on f6, even if temporarily).
But I can't help but feel that d3 and e3 seem like even better squares
simply because each attacks nice diagonals on both sides of the board. But
is it generally better to use c4/f4 as a means to prepare for later in the
game, when you want to apply pressure on the king? Is it a waste of time to
use d3/e3 first and then try to move them to the other squares later?
Thanks.
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Date: 26 Sep 2008 20:00:57
From: help bot
Subject: Re: Good squares for the bishop (opening)
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On Sep 26, 10:20=A0am, "John Salerno" <[email protected] > wrote:
> I know it mainly depends on various factors in the current game, but usua=
lly
> c4 and f4/g5 are good squares to place the bishops as a first move, and I
> also know why (the c4 diagonal stares down at the kingside corner, the f4
> diagonal does the same on the queenside, and g5 often helps pin the knigh=
t
> on f6, even if temporarily).
>
> But I can't help but [sic] feel that d3 and e3 seem like even better squa=
res
> simply because each attacks nice diagonals on both sides of the board. Bu=
t
> is it generally better to use c4/f4 as a means to prepare for later in th=
e
> game, when you want to apply pressure on the king? Is it a waste of time =
to
> use d3/e3 first and then try to move them to the other squares later?
It really is impossible to generalize in this manner,
for the proper stationing of the Bishops relates to
the position in question, not to some Reinfeldian
rules, or other arbitrary nonsense.
In short, you need to develop a plan, and where
you place your Bishops -- like all other pieces -- is
decided by how they best fit in with your plan.
In the old days, folks liked to play their pawns to
the King's fourth rank! (not e4/d4) and lay siege to
the enemy King, be he in the public square or be
he in his castle (i.e. at KN1). In this scheme, it
may impress folks if you win quickly by sacrificing
the peons and horses, landing heavy blows with
Bishops and Queens. But this was all so very
crude... .
Then, in the year 17-something, a strange thing
happened: someone figured out that it was a
good idea to attack more slowly -- and carefully
-- by judiciously advancing the pawns which can
then act, not as mere sacrificial fodder, but as a
shield for the pieces, which accompany them
close behind. In this scheme, Bishops may
well be kept closely guarded, safe from harm
by enemy Knights or pawns, and in fact, the
safest spots off the back rank appear to be at
g2 or b2 for White, b7 or g7 for Black, hid
within a box of friendly peons, none of which
block their view out.
However... there is one very general rule
which may prove useful here, and that may
best be described by noting that in addition
to many of the world's best human players,
many of the strongest chess programs all
seem to agree that Bishops are a bit better
than Knights. So the idea of eagerly
jumping out to pin a Knight requires careful
consideration, for exchange or retreat may
not be so wise as simple prior restraint, as
one might refrain from pinning a Rook with
one's Queen....
-- help bot
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Date: 26 Sep 2008 13:15:31
From: Alessandro J.
Subject: Re: Good squares for the bishop (opening)
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On 26 Set, 16:20, "John Salerno" <[email protected] > wrote:
> I know it mainly depends on various factors in the current game, but usually
> c4 and f4/g5 are good squares to place the bishops as a first move,
You forgot b5 !
> and I also know why (the c4 diagonal stares down at the kingside corner, the f4
> diagonal does the same on the queenside, and g5 often helps pin the knight
> on f6, even if temporarily).
>
> But I can't help but feel that d3 and e3 seem like even better squares
> simply because each attacks nice diagonals on both sides of the board.
The squares they cover are less critical : In comparison, If I could
safely plant a Bishop on d5 and e5 it would be perfect, what good is
covering the a6 square with the Bishop on d3 doing me, the action is
taking place elsewhere.
But
> is it generally better to use c4/f4 as a means to prepare for later in the
> game, when you want to apply pressure on the king? Is it a waste of time to
> use d3/e3 first and then try to move them to the other squares later?
>
Yes it is : in general terms, you should develop your piece once, the
best square for the position at hand, and leave it there until you
have finished development. That's part of what theory is, by the way.
Where the bishops will go is generally a question of which opening
arises from the position , in harmony with the pawn structure, and
also in accordance with your style : in a Spanish the King's Bishop
ends on c2 via b5 - a4 , in the Italian on c4, in the French or the
Pirc you'll usually find it on d3, some sicilians on e2 or g2 , all in
accordance to the particular requirements of the position.
Sure, a bishop on d3 will be relatively aggressive, but rather more
secure behind the protective shield of the d pawn, whereas on c4 it
will usually be snarling down the long diagonal eyeing the king and
especially f7 from a distance, but it is also exposed to attacks. None
is generally better than the other, much depends on your style, your
opening repertoire, even your mood on the day of the game.
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Date: 26 Sep 2008 13:30:50
From: SBD
Subject: Re: Good squares for the bishop (opening)
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As Alessandro notes, you forgot the other "pinning diagonal" - b5.
When thinking about your bishops, it is best to think of them in terms
of the diagonals they will occupy.
The pinning diagonals based on initial placement on b5 or g5. (a4-e8;
h4-d8)
The long diagonals are usually based on initial placement on g2 or b2
(h1-a8; a1-h8)
In other words, think of the goals and/or targets you are looking at
hitting with the bishops.
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