Career
He also gained second place in Cup of Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics in 1970 (after David Bronstein). Šmits played for Latvia in Soviet team competitions:
In 1960, at seventh board in 7th Soviet Team Chess Championship in Moscow (4,5 from 8);
In 1961, at seventh board in 3rd Soviet Team Chess Cup in Moscow (+2, =2, -1);
In 1967, at fourth board in 10th Soviet Team Chess Championship in Moscow (+3, =4, -2);
In 1969, at third board in 11th Soviet Team Chess Championship in Grozny (5,5 from 8);
In 1972, at fourth board in 12th Soviet Team Chess Championship in Moscow (+2, =4, -1);
In 1975, at fourth board in 13th Soviet Team Chess Championship in Rīga (+2, =3, -2).