Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • TCW Academy
    • iChess
    • Chess-Teacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman Chess Lab
    • Foxy Chess
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
    • Rules Chess Strategies
    • Improve My Chess
    • Others
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

Rook and Knight versus Rook and Bishop Endgames

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
10.25.2019
Category: Endgame
Tags: endgames, endings, minor piece, Rook and Bishop Endgames, Rook and Knight,
Rook and Knight versus Rook and Bishop Endgames

Endgames: In our last article, we have outlined a few important ideas that can help you decide which minor piece is better, depending on the position you have on the board. To show how the power of the bishop works, we have selected an instructive endgame where its cooperation with the rook was superior to that of the knight.

In this article, we are going to look a bit into the knight’s superiority and how, together with the rook, it can dominate the bishop in certain situations.

Rook and Knight versus Rook and Bishop Endgames: Before we move on to the practical examples, we’d like to remind you of a few ideas about this minor piece:

  • Knights need outposts. Without a stable point, the knight has little power, as an opponent can easily kick it out of a good square.
  • Knights are better in positions where players closed the center. This has a connection to the idea above, but that’s not the only reasoning behind it. Unlike the bishops, the knights can easily jump over pieces and find themselves an annoying square in the opponent’s position;
  • It is a very strong piece in the attack;
  • It usually works very well in cooperation with the queen.

Returning to our subject, it is very instructive to see how former World Champion Vishwanathan Anand uses his knight to put pressure on his opponent, Grandmaster Vladimir Akopian:

minor piece

Akopian, V – Anand, V, Moscow 2004

Black to play

At first glance, it doesn’t seem like black’s knight is anything special. True, the position is completely equal in this very moment. The knight doesn’t seem to have any good outpost either, at least just yet. However, things are not that easy.

White’s bishop seems to be completely cut from the kingside thanks to the powerful pawn on e5 and the knight does have good prospects on the same side. Anand finds a nice square for his knight – the square f4. That looks like a beautiful dream for now, but luckily an achievable one.

The route to f4 is via d8-e6, but before starting anything black must first defend the pawn on e5. So, the first move makes a lot of sense – 31…f6! White continued with 32. Ka3 to which Anand responded with 32…Nd8!

Once black installed the knight on f4, white’s whole kingside is in danger. The game didn’t last long after this; see how Anand brought the point home here:

In the following position the knight’s superiority is even clearer:

Rook and Knight versus Rook and Bishop Endgames

Lautier, J – Kramnik, V, Tilburg 1997

Black to play

We can notice a few things: first of all, the center is completely closed. And, we already know that in such positions the knight is usually superior. Secondly, as in the previous example, the bishop is completely cut off from the other side of the board. The difference is that here it is white’s own pawns that stop the bishop from getting any activity. The only thing white can try to do here is created some counterplay on the queenside, but it is not going to be easy.

On the other hand, black’s plan seems to be very simple – push the h pawn to h3 and activate his rook. However, there is another idea for white in the air – getting the bishop to g5 and trying to hold this way. Black is probably better anyway, but he prefers to avoid this and that’s why black his plan with a nice, prophylactic move that is not so easy to play, especially since black’s last move has been …Rg7+ – 35…Rg8!

Now, he restricts the bishop. And, black can continue with his plan.

We also recommend reviewing Two Knights Opening and Premium training chess.

Rook and Knight versus Rook and Bishop Endgames – See how Kramnik achieved it here:

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Endgame for Club Players Vol.2 with IM Mat Kolosowski [TCW Academy]Endgame for Club Players Vol.2 with IM Mat Kolosowski [TCW Academy]
  • Rook and Bishop vs. Rook and Knight EndgamesRook and Bishop vs. Rook and Knight Endgames
  • 10 Tips to Fix Your Chess Endgames10 Tips to Fix Your Chess Endgames
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz