According to the prevailing theory, bishops tend to outperform knights in the endgame approximately 60% of the time. However, the superiority of knights increases as the pawn structure becomes more symmetrical. In the center, knights are most effective when stationed at an outpost that is difficult for the opponent to dislodge. Conversely, bishops are most potent when they can simultaneously target multiple squares or a set of squares of the same color on both sides of the board.
As a general rule, a bishop versus knight (and vice versa) with a pawn on the attacking side is a draw if the defending king is capable of blocking the pawn advance. Let me demonstrate both cases.
Bishop and pawn vs. knight
If the defending king is positioned ahead of or in close proximity to the pawn, then the outcome of the game is a draw. The defending king can take up a square that is opposite in color to the bishop and block the pawn’s advance, making it impossible to dislodge the king from its position. On the other hand, if the king is not in such a position, the attacking player can claim victory.
White to move wins
Black to move draws
Knight and pawn vs. bishop
If the defending king is positioned ahead of the pawn or at least close to it, then the game is considered a draw. In such a scenario, the bishop is placed on a diagonal path that the pawn needs to traverse, and the knight cannot both impede the bishop’s path and force the defending king to move away. However, if the defending king is not in such a position, the attacking player can secure a win.
White to move wins
Black to move draws
Overall, bishop versus knight endgames can be very complex and require a lot of skill to play well. It is important to carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each piece, as well as the overall position of the board, in order to make the best moves and gain an advantage.