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Vasily Vasilyevich Smyslov, born on March 24, 1921, in Moscow, Russia, was a Soviet and Russian chess grandmaster renowned for his deep positional understanding and endgame mastery. He became the seventh World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1957 to 1958.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Vasily Vasilyevich Smyslov
- Date of Birth: March 24, 1921
- Place of Birth: Moscow, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, Soviet Union
- Date of Death: March 27, 2010
- Place of Death: Moscow, Russia
- Nationality: Soviet/Russian
- Education: Initially pursued studies in music, aspiring to become an opera singer, but eventually dedicated himself fully to chess.
Chess Career Highlights
- World Chess Champion: Defeated Mikhail Botvinnik in 1957 to become the seventh World Chess Champion; lost the title back to Botvinnik in a rematch in 1958.
- Notable Achievements:
- Two-time Soviet Chess Champion (1949, 1955).
- Holds the record for the most Chess Olympiad medals, with a total of 17.
- Consistently competed at the highest levels for over four decades, being a Candidate in the World Championship cycles in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and even in the 1980s.
Career Statistics
- Total Games Played: Over 2,500 recorded games.
- Win Percentage: Approximately 52%.
- Draw Percentage: Around 40%.
- Loss Percentage: Approximately 8%.
- Notable Opponents: Mikhail Botvinnik, Tigran Petrosian, Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Net Worth:
- Exact figures are not available due to the era and the Soviet economic system.
- As a prominent figure in Soviet chess, Smyslov received state support and stipends.
- Lifestyle Highlights:
- Apart from his chess career, Smyslov was a talented baritone singer and even auditioned for the Bolshoi Theatre.
- Known for his calm demeanor and sportsmanship at the chessboard.
- Authored several books on chess, sharing his deep understanding of the game.
Legacy
Vasily Smyslov’s contributions to chess are profound, particularly his insights into the endgame and positional play. His games are studied for their clarity and strategic depth, and his longevity in top-level chess serves as an inspiration to players worldwide.
