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Smyslov’s victory in the 1957 championship

World Chess Championship 1957

In 1957, a real drama unfolded. After the draw of 1954, everyone was waiting for a new clash between Botvinnik and Smyslov.
Two different approaches to the game, two different personalities — every one of their games felt like a true battle of minds.

And so, from March 5 to April 27, 1957, Moscow was once again in the spotlight.
This time the outcome was different: Smyslov was not just challenging the champion — he took the crown.

The Road to the Rematch

In 1954, Botvinnik and Smyslov finished 12–12. At the time, that meant the champion kept his title.
But many could see it clearly: Smyslov had come very close to victory.

A draw is not the end of the story — it is only an intermission.

In 1956, Smyslov convincingly won the Candidates Tournament.
His game was defined by harmony, precision, and deep positional understanding.
He came to the title match in excellent form, ready to seize his chance.

Two Views of Chess

Botvinnik, world champion since 1948, was a symbol of the Soviet chess school.
He was known for:

  • deep strategic knowledge

  • a scientific approach

  • serious opening preparation

  • the ability to impose his own game

For Botvinnik, this was not just a defense of the title, but a defense of his entire system.

Smyslov played differently. His style was often described as musical:

  • a sense of harmony between the pieces

  • endgame mastery

  • minimal risk

  • precise and natural moves

In 1957, he was at his peak and fully ready for the fight.

How the Championship Unfolded

The match in Moscow lasted from March 5 to April 27, 1957 and consisted of 24 games.
Whoever scored more points would win.

This time, a draw satisfied no one — both players were fighting for victory.

How Smyslov Defeated the Champion

The early games were tense and hard-fought.
Botvinnik tried to impose his strategy, but Smyslov was flexible and denied him any advantage.

Gradually, it became clear that Smyslov felt the position better.
He won endgames, displayed the highest level of technique, and put Botvinnik under constant pressure.

Smyslov was especially strong in quiet, non-tactical positions — there he was almost flawless.

In the end, Smyslov took the lead and brought the match to victory.
Final score: 12.5–9.5 in favor of Smyslov.

A New Champion

Vasily Smyslov became the seventh World Champion, and it was fully deserved.

This match showed that:

  • harmony can defeat a system

  • positional accuracy is power

  • intuition is as important as calculation

What Came Next

In 1957, Smyslov won — but not for long.
In 1958, Botvinnik took revenge and regained the title.

But 1957 remained the peak of Smyslov’s career and his greatest achievement.

The Significance of the 1957 Championship

The 1957 World Chess Championship was a victory of chess harmony over pure calculation.
It was the moment when the art of the game became paramount.

Smyslov proved that one can become champion not only through pressure and preparation, but also through a deep understanding of the essence of chess.
His victory is a symbol of beauty and purity of play, one of the brightest chapters in chess history.

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