The Soviet School ?
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I think it is safe to say that Botvinnik was the man the founder of a great system. But as a player, he was not as good as his record. I say he was lucky. In a better world I say he likely would never have defended the title he won at AVRO.
More than likely the fix was in against David Bronstein. Also, Botvinnik was no match for a healthy Smyslov, who had pneumonia in the second match, and he was even less of a match for a healthy Tal, who was in rough shape in the rematch also.
Petrosian could beat Botvinnik, as could Geller.