Chessmanian
Enigma of Chess
Mikhail Botvinnik Vs Jose Capablanca
AVRO.
Date - 22nd Nov, 1938.
Netherlands.
Round 11.
White - Botvinnik.
Black - Capablanca.
In their encounter, the young and dynamic Botvinnik was pitted against the experienced and legendary Capablanca. The game between them was closely watched by the chess community, as it symbolized the transition from the dominance of the older generation to the rise of the new talents.
The Delicate Dance
Mikhail Botvinnik Vs Alexander Alekhaine
AVRO.
Date - Nov, 1938.
Netherlands.
Round - NN.
White - Mikhail.
Black - Alekhaine.
The AVRO tournament of 1938 remains a legendary event in the history of chess, and the encounter between Botvinnik and Alekhine is a testament to the caliber of players who participated and the level of competition that defined that era.
Tactical Visionary Strategist
Mikhail Botvinnik Vs Lajos Portisch
Monte Carlo Chess Tournament.
Date - 10th Apr, 1968.
Monte Carlo, MON.
Round 5.
White - Botvinnik.
Black - Lajos.
This game is a fine example of Botvinnik's strategic and positional acumen, as he skillfully exploited imbalances in the position to secure an advantage and convert it into a victory.
Poised Genius
Mikhail Botvinnik Vs Grigory Levenfish
Moscow Chess Tournament.
Date - 15th Feb, 1935.
Moscow, URS.
Round 5.
White -Botvinnik.
Black - Levenfish.
In their memorable encounter during the 1935 Soviet Chess Championship, the clash between Mikhail Botvinnik and Gregory Levenfish was marked by a critical turning point that showcased Botvinnik's tactical acumen. As the game unfolded, Levenfish, a formidable player in his own right, faltered with an unfortunate blunder, allowing Botvinnik to seize the opportunity and assert his dominance.
Subtle Chess Artistry
Mikhail Botvinnik Vs Victor Liublinsky
23rd Moscow Chess Tournament.
Date - 1943.
Moscow, URS.
Round - NN.
White - Botvinnik.
Black - Victor.
At move 24 White seems unable to prevent the exchange sacrifice ..Rd4 removing his play against Black's doubled pawns. However it is true that Nc3 is not exact, for after 24 Qc2! Bc7 25 Rxd8+! Rxd8 26 Rd1 the exchange sacrifice is not so good with a pair of Rooks exchanged. On the other hand, Black's game may not be as bad as all that, and before the exchange ascrifice it does have its assets : The bishop pair, a f pawn that is freer to advance than White's f pawn, and a c6 pawn keeping White's N out of d5.
Sublime Moves
Mikhail Botvinnik Vs Emanuel Lasker
Moscow Chess Tournament.
Date - 27th May, 1936.
Moscow, URS.
Round 10.
White - Botvinnik.
Black - Lasker.
Botvinnik was known for his psychological approach to chess. He would often choose lines that could lead to complex positions where his opponents might struggle to find the best moves. This psychological pressure would often lead to mistakes from his opponents.