Botvinnik vs. Smyslov: 1951 World Chess Championship

The 1951 World Chess Championship was held from March 7 to May 11, 1951, in Moscow, Soviet Union. The match featured reigning champion Mikhail Botvinnik defending his title against challenger Vasily Smyslov, who had earned the right to challenge by winning the 1950 Candidates Tournament. The championship was played over 24 games, with the first player to reach 12½ points declared the winner. Botvinnik successfully retained his title, winning the match 12½–9½. This contest showcased Botvinnik’s deep strategic understanding and exceptional defensive skills, while Smyslov demonstrated tactical creativity and resilience. The match further cemented Botvinnik’s dominance in the chess world during the early 1950s and marked an important moment in the long-standing rivalry between these two Soviet grandmasters.