Smyslov: chess great and endgame virtuoso
Smyslov
Definition
"Smyslov" refers to Vasily Vasilievich Smyslov (1921–2010), the 7th World Chess Champion (1957–1958). In chess writing and commentary, the name is also used adjectivally—"Smyslovian"—to describe a harmonious, intuitive positional style and superb endgame technique. Several respected opening systems carry his name.
Usage in Chess
Players and authors use "Smyslov" in several ways:
- As a shorthand for the player: "Smyslov outplayed Botvinnik in the endgame."
- To denote opening lines: the Smyslov Defense in the Ruy Lopez (3...g6), the Smyslov Variation in the Caro-Kann (4...Nd7), the Smyslov Variation in the Grunfeld (4. Qb3), and the Smyslov System versus the King’s Indian (early Bg5).
- To evoke a style: "A Smyslovian squeeze" suggests a precise, patient buildup and conversion in slightly better positions.
Notable Openings Named After Smyslov
Ruy Lopez: Smyslov Defense
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 g6. Black fianchettos the king’s bishop early, aiming for a flexible, hypermodern setup that contests the center from a distance and often prepares ...Bg7, ...Nge7, and ...d6. The idea mirrors Smyslov’s taste for sound piece development and long-term structural health.
Caro-Kann: Smyslov Variation (Classical)
Moves: 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Nd7. By avoiding early piece commitments, Black keeps the dark-squared bishop flexible and prepares ...Ngf6 and ...Nxe4, often followed by ...e6. This line bears Smyslov’s hallmark of reliable, sturdy structures with subtle counterplay.
Grunfeld: Smyslov Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Qb3. White immediately pressures d5 and b7, forcing Black to be accurate. The variation leads to rich middlegames in which piece activity and precise calculation outweigh rote memorization—again resonant with Smyslov’s practical style.
King’s Indian Defense: Smyslov System
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. Bg5. White develops actively and restrains ...e5 or ...c5 while discouraging ...Bg4. Plans include e3, Be2, 0-0, and often h3 to consolidate. It’s a positional, anti-theoretical approach consistent with Smyslov’s preference for harmony and control.
Style and Strategic Themes
- Harmonious development: coordinating pieces to maximize squares and minimize weaknesses.
- Endgame virtuosity: exceptional technique in bishop vs knight endgames, rook endings, and minor advantages.
- Prophylaxis: quiet moves (h3, a3, Kh1, Re1) that restrict counterplay before starting operations.
- Health over hype: choosing solid structures and accumulating small advantages rather than speculative tactics.
- "Smyslovian squeeze": maintaining tension, improving the worst-placed piece, and only then opening the position.
Historical Significance and Career Highlights
- World Champion in 1957 (defeated Mikhail Botvinnik 12.5–9.5); lost the 1958 return match 10.5–12.5.
- Drew the 1954 World Championship match 12–12 with Botvinnik (the title remained with Botvinnik).
- Won the 1953 Candidates Tournament (Zurich) and the 1956 Candidates (Amsterdam).
- Reached the Candidates Final in 1984 at age 62, losing to Garry Kasparov—a remarkable four-decade span at elite level.
- Legendary team performer for the USSR in Chess Olympiads; multiple team and individual gold medals.
- Faced Bobby Fischer in the 1971 Candidates (lost 0.5–5.5); Fischer later became World Champion in 1972.
Examples
1) Caro-Kann, Smyslov Variation (typical development)
Black’s setup prioritizes solidity and piece harmony, often transposing to a pleasant middlegame structure:
Plans: Black completes development with ...Bd6, ...Qc7, and ...0-0, aiming for ...c5 breaks under good circumstances.
2) Grunfeld, Smyslov Variation (central pressure)
White uses Qb3 to challenge d5 and b7 immediately, provoking concessions or tactical operations:
After Qb3, Black must balance development with defense of b7; accurate play leads to dynamically balanced positions.
3) Ruy Lopez, Smyslov Defense (flexible fianchetto)
Black adopts a hypermodern stance against the Spanish:
With ...d6 and ...0-0 to come, Black delays the central clash and seeks piece activity on long diagonals.
Interesting Facts and Anecdotes
- Smyslov was an accomplished baritone and once auditioned for the Bolshoi Theatre; he was known to sing arias during tournaments.
- His 1983 Candidates match with Robert Hübner was famously decided by a roulette spin after a sequence of draws and scheduling issues—Smyslov advanced and later defeated Zoltán Ribli before meeting Kasparov in the final (1984).
- He is often cited as the quintessential "endgame virtuoso"; many instructional anthologies feature his endings as model studies.
- Smyslov’s opening repertoire evolved with fashion, but he consistently favored lines granting long-term structural soundness and maneuvering chances.