Vassily Smyslov

 
Smyslov is highly regarded for his defensive skills and his endgame technique. He was an excellent positional player, but also had tactical abilities. Mostly Smyslov didn't try to bend chess to his will. He let the game guide him along and he just followed where it led. Smyslov was only World Champion for a year when he managed to defeat Botvinnik. He lost the return match the following year.