Mikhail Botvinnik

Mikhail Botvinnik is a Russian chess player, born on August 17, 1911, in Kuokkala, Grand Duchy of Finland. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Botvinnik began his professional career with the Russian Chess Federation and held the World Chess Championship title three times between 1948 and 1963.

Botvinnik is known for his deep thinking, strategic planning, and versatile game style. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records in the world of chess.

Off the board, Botvinnik is also recognized for his significant contributions to computer chess and chess education, inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Youth and Early Career: Botvinnik was born and raised in Kuokkala and started playing chess at the age of 12. He made his first significant achievement by winning the Leningrad Championship in 1931.

World Chess Champion

• Initial Success: Botvinnik won his first World Chess Championship in 1948. He held the title three times in his career, with the last one in 1963.

Post-Championship Career

• Later Success: Even after losing the championship, Botvinnik remained an active player and contributed significantly to the development of computer chess.

International Achievements

• Botvinnik represented the Soviet Union in the Chess Olympiads, helping the team to win multiple gold medals.
• He also competed in several international tournaments, securing victories in notable events like the AVRO tournament in 1938.

• Style: Botvinnik was known for his well-planned strategy and deep analysis. He was celebrated for his versatile style, understanding of positional play, and endgame skill.

• Family: Botvinnik was married to Gayane Davidovna, and they had a daughter named Olga.
• Education: Apart from his chess career, Botvinnik was also a trained electrical engineer.

• Mikhail Botvinnik is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his contributions to computer chess and chess education. His impact on the game and his status as an icon extend beyond the chessboard, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

World Chess Championships:

• Three-time World Chess Champion (1948, 1951, 1954)

AVRO Tournament:

• Winner in 1938

Chess Olympiads:

• Multiple gold medalist representing the Soviet Union.

Books

• Botvinnik, M. (1970) Achieving the Aim. Oxford University Press.
• Kasparov, G. (2003) My Great Predecessors: Garry Kasparov on Mikhael Botvinnik. Everyman Chess.

Websites

• FIDE: Information about Mikhail Botvinnik’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fide.com
• Chess.com: Details about Botvinnik’s career. Available at: https://www.chess.com

Articles

• ChessBase: Mikhail Botvinnik: Patriarch of the Chess World. Available at: https://en.chessbase.com/post/mikhail-botvinnik-patriarch-of-the-chess-world

Interviews and Documentaries

• Botvinnik's Secret Games (2000): Directed by Jan Timman. This documentary provides a detailed look at Botvinnik’s life and career.