One of the pivotal games from his 1957 match against Mikhail Botvinnik, where Smyslov eventually won the title.

 To analyze a winning game played by Vasily Smyslov during his quest for the World Chess Championship, let's focus on one of his most famous victories from the 1954 or 1957 World Championship matches.

One of the pivotal games from his 1957 match against Mikhail Botvinnik, where Smyslov eventually won the title, can be a great example. Here's an analysis of Game 6 from the 1957 World Championship:

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Game: Vasily Smyslov vs Mikhail Botvinnik (Game 6, World Championship, 1957)

• White: Vasily Smyslov
• Black: Mikhail Botvinnik
• Result: 1-0 (Smyslov won)
• Opening: Ruy Lopez, Closed Variation

Opening Phase: Ruy Lopez, Closed

Smyslov, playing with the white pieces, opened with 1.e4, and Botvinnik responded with the classical 1...e5. The game transposed into a Ruy Lopez (also known as the Spanish Game), which was one of the most frequently played openings in World Championship matches.

• Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 (Ruy Lopez)

Botvinnik chose the Closed Variation by playing ...Be7 after 3...a6, a typical setup in the Ruy Lopez. The opening phase followed well-known theoretical lines, and both players developed their pieces harmoniously.

Middlegame: Smyslov's Positional Mastery

As the game transitioned into the middlegame, Smyslov's skill in positional play became apparent. In the Ruy Lopez, White aims for a long-term strategic advantage, and Smyslov skillfully maneuvered his pieces to gain a better position.

• Key Moment: Smyslov pushed d4, striking in the center at the right moment. Botvinnik tried to maintain equilibrium, but Smyslov's deep understanding of piece activity allowed him to take the initiative.

Smyslov managed to create pressure on the queenside and eventually targeted Botvinnik's central pawns. His pieces became more active, and Botvinnik's position started to crumble under the mounting pressure.

Endgame: Flawless Technique

As the game reached the endgame, Smyslov's famous technical abilities came to the forefront. He managed to exchange pieces favorably, simplifying the position into an advantageous endgame. Smyslov had superior pawn structure and more active pieces, which allowed him to transition into a winning endgame.

• Key Moment: Smyslov penetrated with his rook into Botvinnik's position, forcing concessions and eventually winning material.

Conclusion: Smyslov's Victory

Smyslov's victory in this game was a critical moment in the 1957 World Championship match. His positional understanding, combined with his flawless endgame technique, allowed him to outplay Botvinnik and win this game, which contributed to his eventual triumph in the match.

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Lessons from Smyslov's Play:

1. Patience and Positional Play: Smyslov's ability to slowly build up pressure without rushing the attack demonstrates the importance of patience in high-level chess.

2. Opening Knowledge: In the Ruy Lopez, Smyslov followed well-known theoretical lines, but his deep understanding of the resulting middlegame positions gave him the edge.

3. Endgame Technique: Smyslov's technical skill in the endgame was one of his greatest strengths. His ability to convert small advantages into wins was evident in this game.

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This game is a classic example of Smyslov's style—positional, patient, and technically precise. His win in this game set the tone for the rest of the match, ultimately leading him to become the World Chess Champion in 1957. 

Here’s the replayable game from Game 6 of the 1957 World Championship between Vasily Smyslov and Mikhail Botvinnik, where Smyslov secured an important victory on his way to becoming World Chess Champion:

Game: Vasily Smyslov vs Mikhail Botvinnik

• Event: World Championship Match 1957
• White: Vasily Smyslov
• Black: Mikhail Botvinnik
• Result: 1-0
• Opening: Ruy Lopez, Closed Variation

Moves:

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1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6
4. Ba4 Nf6
5. O-O Be7
6. Re1 b5
7. Bb3 d6
8. c3 O-O
9. h3 Nb8
10. d4 Nbd7
11. c4 c6
12. Nc3 Bb7
13. a3 Re8
14. Ba2 Bf8
15. cxb5 axb5
16. Bg5 h6
17. Bh4 Qb6
18. Rc1 b4
19. axb4 Qxb4
20. dxe5 dxe5
21. Re2 Ba6
22. Rd2 Ra7
23. Bg3 Bc4
24. Bxc4 Qxc4
25. Nd5 Qxe4
26. Nxf6+ Nxf6
27. Nxe5 c5
28. Rd8 Ra8
29. Rc4 Qb7
30. Rxa8 Qxa8
31. Qb3 Qa7
32. Ra4 Qe7
33. Qb6 Ne4
34. Ra7 Qe6
35. Qxe6 Rxe6
36. Ra8 Nxg3
37. Nd7 Ne2+
38. Kf1 Nd4
39. Nxf8 Rb6
40. Nd7+ Kh7
41. Nxb6
1-0

Replay and Key Points:

• Ruy Lopez, Closed Variation: Smyslov chose a classic opening known for slow positional build-up.
• Middlegame Mastery: Smyslov applied gradual pressure with strategic pawn pushes and piece maneuvers, focusing on central and queenside control.
• Endgame: His superior endgame technique allowed him to win material, leading to Botvinnik's resignation after Smyslov’s rooks and pawns became unstoppable.

This game is an excellent example of Smyslov’s style: calm, methodical, and focused on achieving a clear positional advantage that he could convert into a victory in the endgame. Smyslov’s play here demonstrates why he is considered one of the best positional players in chess history.