Queen vs Bishop

Why This Endgame Matters

• This endgame is a common occurrence in beginner play.
• It can be difficult to convert if low on time without knowing the winning method.

Key Concepts

• Keep your King and Queen on the opposite colour of the enemy Bishop. If the opponent has a dark squared Bishop, stay on the light squares. This makes the Bishop a nonentity.
• Use the same Method as with the King and Queen vs King endgame.
• Drive the King to the last rank or file.

Interactive Chess Board

King and Queen vs King and Bishop

8/5b2/6k1/8/8/4K3/3Q4/8 w - - 0 1

1. Qa5 { Start by cutting off the King. The Queen and King vs King and Bishop endgame can be player in a similar fashion to the King and Queen vs King. Just avoid stepping on the same colour squares as the black dark squared Bishop. } 1... Kf6 { The king moves closer to the centre. } 2. Kf4 { Approach the enemy King, avoiding the light squares. } 2... Ke6 { The opponent King runs towards the centre. } 3. Qe5+ { The Queen checks and forces the opponents King towards the edge of the board. } 3... Kd7 4. Qf6 { The Queen cuts off one more rank, always moving on the dark squares. } 4... Bd5 { The Bishop was threatened and had to move. } 5. Ke5 { The King approaches using the dark squares to stay out of danger. } 5... Bh1 6. Qd6+ { The Queen checks again, forcing the opponent King to the back rank. } 6... Kc8 7. Qe7 { The Queen takes away one more rank and the enemy King is confined to the last rank, not much space left. } 7... Kb8 8. Kd6 { The white King approaches. } 8... Bb7 { The Bishop retreats to make it more difficult. } 9. Qc7+ { The Queen checks } 9... Ka8 { The black King is forced into a corner. } 10. Kc5 { Its time to bing the white King closer. } 10... Ka7 11. Kb5 { White King approaches, now using the light square, but the opponents bishop is pinned and can't move to threaten us. } 11... Ka8 { Only legal move. } 12. Kb6 { The King is back on dark squares and the black King is boxed in. } 12... Bh1 { Black is forced to move his Bishop. } 13. Qc8# { The white Queen delivers checkmate. } *

Practice Positions

Restrict and Mate

Find the winning technique.

8/8/4Q3/8/5b2/5k2/2K5/8 w - - 0 1

Practice Positions

Force the Mate

Find the winning technique.

8/8/8/4kb2/8/8/8/2K4Q w - - 0 1

Common Mistakes

• Stepping on the same square colour as the Bishop.
• Letting the King escape towards the centre.
• Stalemating on the edge of the board.

Quiz

FAQ