Lições

Play Like Vasily Smyslov

Play Like Vasily Smyslov

Figure out the moves in World Champion Smyslov's best games!

Vasily Smyslov was the world champion from 1957-1958. He played three epic matches with Mikhail Botvinnik, finishing with one win, one draw, and one loss. Even after his time as champion, Smyslov remained one of the best players in the world, nearly qualifying for another title match at the age of 62. Try to figure out the moves in five of Smyslov's greatest games. Start winning like Smyslov today!

Here is what you will learn:

  • Find the way to use a thematic d5 hole to defeat Rudakovsky.
  • Calm down a sacrificial attack from Paul Keres.
  • Find a way to win against world champions Botvinnik and Euwe.

Play Like Vasily Smyslov: Smyslov vs Botvinnik

Smyslov and Botvinnik were great rivals, competing in three title matches. In this game, Smyslov makes short work of Botvinnik's favorite French Defense.
1 Desafio

Play Like Vasily Smyslov: Smyslov vs Rudakovsky

Iosif Rudakovsky was a Ukrainian master, who played numerous top Soviet events. However, he wasn't of Smyslov's level.
1 Desafio

Play Like Vasily Smyslov: Keres vs Smyslov

Paul Keres was one of the best players to never qualify for a title match. One reason was this game from the candidates tournament in Zurich in 1953.
1 Desafio

Play Like Smyslov: Smyslov vs Euwe

In the 1948 World Championship tournament Smyslov came in 2nd, behind Botvinnik, but ahead of three other top players, including former World Champion Max Euwe.
1 Desafio

Play Like Vasily Smyslov: Smyslov vs Kottnauer

Čeněk Kottnauer was an International Master and won a gold medal at the 1952 Olympiad. In this game Kottnauer developed too slowly and Smyslov dominated.
1 Desafio