World Championship Matches, 1948-1960

The Hague and Moscow, 1948. Following the death of Alekhine, a tournament was organized to determine a new champion. Botvinnik finished first at 14-6, defeating Symslov (11), Keres (10.5), Reshevsky (10.5) and Euwe (4). American Reuben Fine withdraws owing to his dissatisfaction with the organization of the tournament. Crosstable

Match Book:The World Chess Championship 1948, by Harry Golombek. The book conveys the great drama of this event. Paul Keres, perhaps the strongest player never to become world champion, lost 4 games to Botvinnik. Were these games on the level? Fabulous annotations from Golombek.


Bronstein - Botvinnik, 1951. Botvinnik retains his title in a 12-12 tie! Crosstable

Match Book: Moscow 1951 World Championship Match: Botvinnik v. Bronstein, Botvinnik.

Smyslov - Botvinnik, 1954. Many ebbs and flows in this 12-12 tie. Crosstable

Smyslov - Botvinnik, 1957. Smyslov is victorious in their second match. Crosstable

Smyslov - Botvinnik, 1958. Botvinnik gets off to an early lead and wins the rematch. Crosstable

Tal - Botvinnik, 1960. A convincing win for the tactical Tal, and a great match book! Crosstable

Match Book:Tal-Botvinnik, 1960, Tal. Perhaps, the best chess book ever written. The games are wonderful. Tal's notes are full of energy and enthusiasm. All of the games are from the 1960 World Championship match in which the younger Tal defeated the long standing champion.