Vasily Smyslov (1921–2010) became acquainted with chess at the age of six and started playing competitively at 14. Although he faced a significant decline in his chess performance immediately after the post-war period, he quickly recovered and became arguably the strongest player of the 1950s.
Smyslov challenged world champion Botvinnik in 1954 after winning the Candidates in Zurich (1953), but the match ended in a draw. He got a second chance in 1957 after coming out on top in the Candidates in Amsterdam (1956) and took the title by defeating Botvinnik (Moscow, 1957)
"Sincerely congratulate you on your great victory. Misha Tal."
Having lost the chess crown in 1958 in a rematch against Botvinnik, Smyslov continued his struggle for the highest title. In 1984, at age 63, he played Garry Kasparov, age 21, in a final match to determine the challenger for the throne. His final Candidates' appearance was at the Montpellier 1985 tournament. In 1991, Smyslov, aged 70, won the inaugural FIDE Senior World Champion title.
Vasily Smyslov, the seventh World Chess Champion, playing his pianoInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Smyslov was known for his positional style and precise handling of the endgame, though many of his games featured spectacular tactical shots. Besides chess, Smyslov was a baritone opera singer. He used to say that he tried to achieve harmony on the chessboard, just like in music.
Autograph of Vasily Smyslov by Vasily SmyslovInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Smyslov's autograph
Smyslov's signature chess combination
Smyslov – Botvinnik. Moscow 1954
Black has just given a check with Re4. Smyslov’s reply is brilliant: 19. Qxe4! A queen sacrifice! 19… dxe4 20. Rb8+ Bc8 21. Bb5+ Qxb5 22. Rxb5, and White has a winning material advantage. Botvinnik resigned a few moves later.
The chess world speaks: opinions on Smyslov
"Vasily Smyslov is known as a chess player of a very peculiar and interesting style, and for his virtuoso endgame play. Smyslov is a modern Capablanca." - Mikhail Tal
"Smyslov has incredible intuition, and I call him a 'hand'—that is, his hand knows which square to put each piece on, and he does not have to calculate anything with his head." - Boris Spassky
"For children who want to learn how to play chess, I would advise first to study Smyslov's games because he played the right way; his style is as close as possible to some virtual 'truth' of chess." - Vladimir Kramnik
Timeless chess tips from Smyslov
I regard chess as an art form where creativity prevails over other factors.
Despite the development of chess theory, much remains secret and unexplored in the game.
Strict beauty and harmony, spontaneity and elegance, the flawless intuition of the artist, and absolute mastery of technique—leading to complete independence from it—this is my ideal.
Dive deeper: explore Smyslov's legacy through these videos
