Chessmaster 8000 (c) Mindscape ddc2sdnx}ZZ22 BotvinnikM.OBKMaster.BMPExcellent endgame(1911-1995) Mikhail Moiseyevich Botvinnik was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and became the symbol of Soviet supremacy at chess. In 1948 he won a match- tournament organized by FIDE to fill the crown left vacant by Alekhine`s death. He defended it twice with 12-12 ties in 1951 and 1954, then lost to Smyslov in 1957 but won a rematch in 1958. In 1960 he lost to Tal but regained it in 1961. Petrosian finally put him away for good in 1963. An electrical engineer, Botvinnik devoted his final years to perfecting chess computers and founding a chess school where his most famous student was Garry Kasparov.A profound technician and iron logician, Botvinnik always sought the objectively best move. His position play was extremely solid, he had excellent endgame technique and was a dedicated student of the openings. His name is most closely associated with the French Defense, Dutch Defense, Semi- Slav and English Opening, which he honed into a feared weapon.