In 1936, he tied for 1st-2nd with Vladimir Alatortsev in Moscow–ch. In 1937, he took 4th in Moscow–ch (Alatortsev and Sergey Belavenets won). In 1937, he took 2nd, behind Reuben Fine, in Moscow.
He had a strong showing in 1936, tying for first place with Vladimir Alatortsev in Moscow–ch. The following year, he placed fourth in Moscow–ch, as Alatortsev and Sergey Belavenets took the top two spots. In Moscow, he finished second behind Reuben Fine in 1937.