1911–1995 · USSR

Mikhail Botvinnik

The plan starts with structure

Mikhail Botvinnik was the sixth world champion and a central figure in the Soviet chess school. He treated preparation as an orderly process: he analyzed openings, typical structures and his own mistakes.

For beginners • one practical idea

Illustration

The most important lesson

Method

Look at the verticals before you choose a plan. Their positioning tells you where you have space, weaknesses and possible breakthroughs.

Try applying this principle to a real game. The game will run without an account.

Try it in game

Play the idea

One move to start

Make the first move that best fits the lessons of this profile. This simple exercise allows you to immediately put history into practice.

Select a pawn or piece and then the target square.

Connections

Rivals and contemporaries

Sources and scope

Biographical facts were checked based on the material: FIDE – world champions. The description of the style and the lesson are Szachmaty's own educational material. The portrait is a marked illustration and does not imply cooperation or authorization of this person.

Last update: July 24, 2026.