Vasily Smyslov

Biography (1921–2010)

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 12½-9½ (Moscow, 1957).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.Smyslov was known for his positional style and precise handling of the endgame, though many of his games featured spectacular tactical shots as well. 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.

Notable game

This was Game 9 of the 1954 World Championship Match, which ended in a 12-12 tie with champion Botvinnik retaining his title

Play like a champion!

Black to move.

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Want chess advice?

# 1 / 4

No fantasy, no matter how rich, no technique, no matter how masterful, no insight into the psychology of the opponent, no matter how deep, can elevate a chess game to a work of art if these qualities do not serve the ultimate goal - the pursuit of truth.

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.

On Smyslov

Vasily Smyslov, the affable chess giant, makes moves that perhaps another chess grandmaster could execute. The difference? Smyslov wins. Unsuspecting opponents fail to recognize his hidden plans and believe they are in a strong position...until it's too late.

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.

I know the secret to Smyslov's incredible successes. He mastered the art of timely reorganization, striking a harmonious balance between playing from general considerations and precise calculation. Smyslov avoided unnecessary, tedious calculations, but when the situation demanded, he would calculate options far and accurately.

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.

His credo was as follows: “I will make 40 good moves and if you are able to do the same, the game will end in a draw.” But it was precisely this ‘doing the same’ that was the most difficult: Smyslov’s technique was ahead of his time.

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.