What does it take to be a winner?

Vladimir Simagin

It is as simple as Black and White: uncompromising attitude, courage, fearlessness and cold-bloodedness.  Risk-taking. No going back. Checkmate!…the winner takes it all.

Today’s Feature Game

Today’s feature game is an oldie but goodie from the 1946 Moscow Championship between future GM Vladimir Simagin and the experienced master (and trainer) Grigory Ravinsky.

Apparently this was the first encounter between these two players, and it set the tone for the next dozen or so encounters that would follow: a bitter rivalry, sharp tactics and uncompromising fights.

There were almost no draws and despite the fact that Simagin won virtually all of the encounters(!) he was not really much stronger than Ravinsky! Both players always played for the win and as in any sport the result can go either way.  

Vladimir Simagin (June 1919 to October 1968) was a well respected player and coach. He was awarded the GM title in 1962  and also had a number of correspondence titles in his collection. As well, he coached V.Smyslov when the latter was fighting for the world title. All in all a fascinating person! Simagin died of a heart attack while playing in a tournament.

Simagin,V – Ravinsky,G
Moscow Ch 1946
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