08 Feb 08
Originally posted by LenzarFunnily enough I usually know where I want my bishops but leave the knights to later as they may want to go to c3/f3 or d2/e2. Usually I like one knight on d2 and the other on f3, or else one on c3 and the other on e2. Obviously this is just a rule of thumb, and there are many exceptions.
With pawns and knights, the most obvious squares are easy to work out.
Where, however, should bishops go?
I favour placing the King's bishop into a fianchetto, and then using the Queen's bishop in a more offensive role.
08 Feb 08
Usually bishops are best placed on the third, fourth or fifth ranks - depending on where they will be most use to you later in the game.
Less commonly are they developed on the second rank, unless you are playing a closed opening or doing a fianchetto - though they can still be handy later as they can easily redevelop.