Soviet-Armenian grandmaster and a previous world chess champion, Tigran Petrosian was noted for his impenetrable defensive playing style. He was at times referred to as the drawing master. Petrosian played solidly and accurately, and won the World Chess Championship in 1963 against the errorless Mikhail Botvinnik. He held the title for six successive years until 1969. He successfully defended his title in 1966 against Boris Spassky but lost it to the same player in 1969.
Petrosian was a candidate for the World Chess Championship eight times, 1953, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1971, 1974, 1977 and 1980. During his sterling chess career he emphasized safety above everything else. Although he was a cautious and highly defensive player, Petrosian mixed caution with dynamic combinations to gain the initiative in his games.