Playing strength and style Mikhail Botvinnik

botvinnik sought tense positions chances both sides; hence results better black pieces avoid lines produce draws. had strong grasp of long-term strategy, , willing accept weaknesses opponent not exploit in exchange advantage exploit. confessed relatively weak in tactical calculation, yet many of games feature sacrifices – long-term positional sacrifices purpose not force immediate win, improve position , undermine opponent s. botvinnik capable of all-out sacrificial attacks when thought position justified it. botvinnik saw himself universal player (all-rounder), in contrast all-out attacker mikhail tal or defender tigran petrosian. reuben fine considered botvinnik s collection of best games 1 of 3 beautiful mid-1950s (the other 2 alexander alekhine s , akiba rubinstein s).

kasparov quotes tigran petrosian saying, there unpleasant feeling of inevitability. once in conversation keres mentioned , compared botvinnik bulldozer, sweeps away in path. keres smiled , said: can imagine play him when young?