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Vassily Smyslov, USSR, 1957-58

Smyslov learned chess at age six from his father who was a master. His youth was spent learning chess and studying music. After his hopes were dashed in the music field, he only pursued chess.

His title as world champion lasted only one year. In a rematch he lost by two points, and he lost a large measure of his self-confidence. Later attempts to contend for the world title were met with disappointment.

Smyslov's games are famous for their originality in the opening, imagination in the middlegame, and virtually in the endgame. His book "My Best Games" is considered to be among the most importance collections of games written by a grandmaster.