Two Bishops Checkmate
A methodical checkmate technique using two bishops to drive the lone king into the corner for a forced win.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: The two bishops checkmate is a technique that every advanced player should know, even though it occurs rarely in practice. The reason is not practical frequency but conceptual understanding. Learning how two bishops coordinate to create a mating net teaches you about bishop pair power, diagonal control, and systematic restriction of the enemy king. These concepts apply in every middlegame where you have the bishop pair.
The Method
Checkmating with two bishops and a king against a lone king is always possible, but it requires a systematic approach. The two bishops must work together to create a diagonal barrier that restricts the enemy king, gradually pushing it toward the corner of the board.
The bishops control diagonals of opposite colours, which means together they cover every square on the board. By coordinating their diagonals, you can create an invisible wall that the enemy king cannot cross. Each time you advance the wall, the king is pushed one step closer to the edge.
Your own king plays a vital role by supporting the bishops and covering squares that the diagonals miss. The mating pattern requires the enemy king to be in the corner, with the bishops delivering the final blow from adjacent diagonals.
Bishops Creating a Barrier
In this position, the two bishops create a diagonal barrier. The bishop on d5 and the bishop on d4 together control a wide band of squares that the black king cannot cross. The white king on e3 supports the barrier.
The plan is to advance both bishops (and the king) to push the barrier forward, driving the black king toward a corner. Each small adjustment of the bishops tightens the net until the king runs out of room.
The two bishops create a diagonal barrier that restricts the black king.
The Final Checkmate
The checkmate is delivered with the enemy king in the corner. One bishop covers the escape diagonal while the other delivers the check. The friendly king must be close enough to prevent the enemy king from escaping the corner.
The most common mating pattern has the king on a1 (or another corner), with one bishop on b2 (covering the a1-a8 diagonal) and the other bishop delivering a check that covers the remaining escape squares. The friendly king on c2 or b3 completes the cage.
The entire process takes roughly 20 moves from the starting position, well within the 50-move rule. With practice, you can execute it smoothly and confidently whenever the position arises.
Two Bishops Checkmate FAQ
How many moves does the checkmate take?
With optimal play, the checkmate can be achieved in at most 19 moves from any starting position. In practice, allowing for imperfect play, you should aim to complete it within 30 moves.
Can the defending king escape to the center?
Not if you play correctly. The two bishops create a barrier that continuously pushes the king toward the corner. As long as you advance the barrier systematically, the king cannot return to the center.
Is this different from bishop and knight checkmate?
Yes, significantly. Two bishops is much easier than bishop and knight because both bishops cover all squares together. Bishop and knight checkmate is considerably more difficult and requires driving the king to a specific corner.
Professor Archer says: The method is simple once you understand it: use the two bishops to create a diagonal barrier that pushes the king toward the corner. Then bring your own king to help deliver checkmate. The key is patience. Do not rush, do not give pointless checks, and do not allow stalemate. Systematic progress wins the game every time.
Quick Quiz
Why can two bishops force checkmate but a single bishop cannot?
- Two bishops cover squares of both colours, creating a complete barrier the king cannot cross (Correct) - Correct. Each bishop controls squares of one colour only. Together, they cover all 64 squares. A single bishop leaves half the board uncontrolled, so the enemy king can always escape via squares of the opposite colour.
- Two bishops can move faster across the board - Speed is not the issue. The reason is coverage: one bishop only controls one colour of squares, leaving the other colour completely open. Two bishops cover both colours, making a complete barrier possible.
- A single bishop is not strong enough to give check - A single bishop can certainly give check. The problem is not checking power but the inability to control squares of both colours, which means the king can always escape.
- Two bishops are worth more points than the king - Point values are not relevant to checkmate technique. The reason two bishops can force mate is that they control squares of both colours, creating an inescapable net.