Mikhail Botvinnik

Born on 17 August 1911 in Kuokkala (now Repino), near St. Petersburg, into a Jewish family of dentists.

Came to chess relatively late, at age 12. He later said: "After learning chess too late, I would make childish mistakes when I was much more mature."

Graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute in Leningrad in 1931.

He was a trained engineer who applied scientific methods to chess preparation, pioneering the use of systematic analysis and adjournment study.

Sixth World Chess Champion, winning the title in 1948 and holding it, with interruptions, until 1963 — a total of three reigns: 1948–1957, 1958–1960, 1961–1963.

The first Soviet World Champion; he dominated the Soviet chess school and mentored generations of players, including Karpov and Kasparov.

His rivalry with Vasily Smyslov and Mikhail Tal defined an era.

After retiring from competitive play, he developed early chess computer programs and continued to coach.

Botvinnik was known for his rigorous preparation and scientific approach to the game; he kept detailed notebooks on opponents' weaknesses.

He was a loyal Soviet citizen but also maintained his independence; he once said: "I am a Jew by blood, a Russian by culture."

His autobiography Achieving the Aim is a candid account of his life and methods.

"Chess is the art of analysis."

"The main thing in chess is not the moves, but the thinking behind them."

Achieving the Aim — autobiography.

Half a Century in Chess (Polveka v shakhmatakh) — memoir.

From Chess Player to Machine — on chess programming.