Vasily Smyslov

Vasily Smyslov was a Russian chess grandmaster, born on March 24, 1921, in Moscow. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Smyslov began his professional career as a young man and rose to prominence in the late 1940s. He won the World Chess Championship in 1957.

Smyslov was known for his positional style, endgame prowess, and deep understanding of the game. He won numerous individual awards and holds a number of records, such as being one of the few players to play over 2000 professional games.

Off the chessboard, Smyslov was also a talented baritone singer and even auditioned for the Bolshoi Theatre.

Early Career

• Smyslov was introduced to chess at an early age by his father. He first gained international recognition after winning the USSR Chess Championship in 1949.

World Chess Championship

• In 1957, Smyslov won the World Chess Championship, defeating Mikhail Botvinnik. He held the title for one year before losing it in a rematch to Botvinnik.

Late Career

• Smyslov remained a strong player well into his sixties and seventies. In 1984, he reached the final of the World Chess Championship Candidates Tournament at the age of 63.

International Competitions

• Smyslov represented the Soviet Union in nine Chess Olympiads, winning team gold on each occasion.
• He also won the individual gold medal three times and two silver medals.

• Style: Smyslov was known for his positional style and great endgame skill. He was also renowned for his deep understanding of the game and his ability to create harmony among his pieces.

• Family: Smyslov was married to Nadezhda Smyslova and had one son.
• Music: Smyslov was a baritone singer and auditioned for the Bolshoi Theatre in 1950.

• Vasily Smyslov's legacy extends beyond his World Championship title and his many victories. His contributions to chess theory, particularly in the Ruy Lopez opening, continue to influence the game. His style of play, emphasizing harmony and positional understanding, has been studied and emulated by countless players.

World Chess Champion:

• 1957-1958

USSR Chess Championship:

• Winner in 1949, 1955, and 1957

Chess Olympiads:

• Nine-time team gold medalist
• Three-time individual gold medalist

Books

• Smyslov, V. (2003) Smyslov's 125 Selected Games. London: Everyman Chess.
• Winter, E. (1981) World Chess Champions. Oxford: Pergamon Press.

Websites

• Chess.com: Information about Vasily Smyslov’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.chess.com
• FIDE: Official records of Smyslov's performance in international competitions. Available at: https://www.fide.com

Articles

• ChessBase: Vasily Smyslov: An enigma who loved harmony. Available at: https://en.chessbase.com/post/vasily-smyslov-an-enigma-who-loved-harmony

Interviews and Documentaries

• Vasily Smyslov: His Journey to the Top (1997): A documentary exploring Smyslov’s life and career.