-/// between_bb() returns a bitboard representing all the squares between the two
-/// given ones. For instance, between_bb(SQ_C4, SQ_F7) returns a bitboard with
-/// the bits for square d5 and e6 set. If s1 and s2 are not on the same rank, file
-/// or diagonal, 0 is returned.
+/// line_bb() returns a bitboard representing an entire line (from board edge
+/// to board edge) that intersects the two given squares. If the given squares
+/// are not on a same file/rank/diagonal, the function returns 0. For instance,
+/// line_bb(SQ_C4, SQ_F7) will return a bitboard with the A2-G8 diagonal.
+
+inline Bitboard line_bb(Square s1, Square s2) {
+
+ assert(is_ok(s1) && is_ok(s2));
+
+ return LineBB[s1][s2];
+}
+
+
+/// between_bb(s1, s2) returns a bitboard representing the squares in the semi-open
+/// segment between the squares s1 and s2 (excluding s1 but including s2). If the
+/// given squares are not on a same file/rank/diagonal, it returns s2. For instance,
+/// between_bb(SQ_C4, SQ_F7) will return a bitboard with squares D5, E6 and F7, but
+/// between_bb(SQ_E6, SQ_F8) will return a bitboard with the square F8. This trick
+/// allows to generate non-king evasion moves faster: the defending piece must either
+/// interpose itself to cover the check or capture the checking piece.