A minor exchange is a trade of a bishop for a knight. The side left with the bishop is said to win the minor exchange, so giving the bishop needs a reason.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Start0/2
A bishop is usually slightly better than a knight, so giving one up needs a reason: damaged enemy pawns, a square you can use, or getting rid of a bishop with no future. Taking a knight on c6 or c3 is the common case.
How to do it
- 1Decide what the trade buys: weaker enemy pawns, a square, or removing a bad bishop.
- 2If the position is likely to open, think twice: open lines favour bishops.
- 3Follow up: attack the damaged pawns or occupy the square.
For your level
Taking a knight with a bishop is worth it when it damages pawns or wins a square you can use. Without a reason, it often hands the opponent the bishop pair.
Check you have it
Question 1 of 1
Which file has no pawns of either colour standing on it?
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Common mistakes
- Taking on c6 or c3 out of habit in a position that is about to open.
- Damaging the opponent's pawns and then allowing a break that repairs them.
Questions
- Is a bishop always worth more than a knight?
- On average a little more. In a given position the pawns decide: a knight on a safe central square in a closed position can be worth more than a bishop blocked by pawns.