Mikhail Tal’s prize-winning victory over Vasily Smyslov in the 1959 Candidates’ tournament was something of a passing of the torch. Smyslov had played three world chess championship matches against Mikhail Botvinnik in the 50’s and stood as Botvinnik’s greatest challenger, but with his victory in this event, Tal earned the right to battle Botvinnik in 1960.
Lessons:
* Be flexible when your opponent varies in the opening. (5.d4!)
* Play positions you are comfortable with. (9.0-0-0 and 11…Qa5?!)
Photos: Smyslov (Mieremet, R. 1971 – Dutch Nationaal Archief), Tal (Rus, M. 1968 – Dutch Nationaal Archief)
#chess #mikhailtal #worldchesschampionship
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