In chess, what piece can only move diagonally?

In the strategic game of chess, one piece (Review) stands out for its exclusive diagonal movement: the bishop. Each player begins with two bishops, one positioned on a light-colored square and the other on a dark-colored square. This unique restriction means that a bishop will always remain on squares of the same color throughout the entire game, moving any number of squares diagonally as long as its path is unobstructed. It cannot jump over other pieces, but it captures an opponent's piece by landing on its square.

The bishop's history is quite fascinating, evolving significantly from its early forms. In ancient India, where chess originated, this piece was known as "al-fil," meaning "the elephant" in Arabic. As chess spread to Europe, the elephant imagery was unfamiliar, leading to various interpretations and names. In Germany, it became the "Läufer" (runner or courier), while in France, it was called a "fou" (fool). Eventually, under the influence of Christianity, it transformed into the bishop in English-speaking countries, often depicted with a mitre, a bishop's hat.

Despite being confined to squares of a single color, bishops are powerful pieces, especially when working together. A pair of bishops, one on a light square and one on a dark square, can control a vast number of squares across the entire board, offering significant strategic advantages, particularly in open positions or endgames. Considered a "minor piece," similar in value to a knight, the bishop's long-range capabilities make it a potent force for both offense and defense, influencing wide diagonals and contributing to complex tactical maneuvers.