Checkmate With Two Bishops

Master the two-bishop checkmate with clear steps and easy tips. Learn this classic chess endgame strategy to win with two bishops and a king.

Here is what you will learn in this article:


Can You Checkmate With Just Two Bishops And A King?

Yes, you can! And it’s much easier than checkmating with a bishop and knight. The two-bishop checkmate is simple once you understand the steps—and every ChessKid should know how to do it.

Let’s learn how to finish the game with style using only two bishops and your king.

Why Is It Important To Learn The Two Bishops Checkmate?

This classic checkmate may not happen often, but when it does, you want to be ready. It teaches coordination, control, and planning without panic.

Learning this checkmate will help you:

Related: What is Checkmate?

 

How To Deliver A Checkmate With Two Bishops

FunMaster Mike says there are just three steps to follow when using your bishops and king to checkmate:

Let’s take a closer look at each step.

Step 1: Make A Wall With Your Bishops

Start by placing your bishops so they form a diagonal wall across the board. This wall cuts off the enemy king’s space and pushes it toward the edge.

Pro tip: Pick your final corner early and stick to that plan. We don’t want the enemy king to keep switching sides like a dance floor.

FunMaster Mike always chooses the corner that his own king is closest to. That makes it faster and easier to win!

Related: Learn about the Bishop

Step 2: Keep The Bishops Next To Each Other

Keep your bishops connected like two twins. When one bishop moves, the other should follow to stay side by side. They are stronger together!

If your bishops get separated, the wall weakens, and the enemy king might escape. But when they are side by side, you can easily move the wall up the board.

Remember: You are not checking the king, you are controlling space.

Step 3: Shrink The Wall Or Move Your King

When it is safe to make the wall smaller, go ahead and move both bishops forward one row.

But sometimes, the king is already at the edge, and you cannot improve your bishops yet. That is your cue to bring your king.

Which move would you play in this position?

Use your king to block escape squares and slowly walk the enemy king into the corner. Your king is just as important as your bishops.

Pro tip: Use your king to restrict the enemy king’s movement. Don’t chase the king, cut off its paths!

When the king is stuck in the corner, the final checkmate is easy. One bishop gives check, the other covers escape squares, and your king blocks the last path.

Mate in two...

Pro tip: Pay attention to stalemate! The black king will be so happy if you try to move Bc5 in this position!

Learn about the ways a game like this can end in a draw with these two related articles:

How To Defend Against Two Bishops And A King

If you only have a king, your best chance is to stay in the center and avoid the corner your opponent is aiming for.

Try to keep the king dancing in the center!
 

You cannot win, but you might draw if:

Try to move as much as you can and make it tricky for your opponent.

Wrapping Up

The Two Bishops Checkmate is a great way to practice calm control in the endgame. It is simple when you remember the method taught by Fun Master Mike.

Fun Master Mike’s Three Steps:

Other tips to remember:

Once you know this checkmate, you will feel ready to win many more games!

Checkmate With Two Bishops Video

Want to see it in action?

Watch this helpful video from ChessKid to see the three-step method you just learned in motion.