Unveiling The Queen's Gambit: A Deep Dive Into the Chess Saga

Hollywood • 25 Oct, 2023 • 22,287 Views • ⭐ 2.5

Written by Shivani Chourasia

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If you've been captivated by the brilliance of Beth Harmon in Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit," then you're in for a treat. In this exploration, we'll delve deeper into the acclaimed miniseries, addressing key questions and shedding light on the intriguing aspects of the show. From the origins of this fictional chess prodigy's story to the intricacies of the Queen's Gambit itself, we've got all your queries covered. So, let's embark on this chess-themed journey together.

Is "The Queen's Gambit" a True Story?

Walter Tevis Was a Novelist. You Might Know His Books (Much) Better as Movies. - The New York Times — Image Credits: The New York Times

While "The Queen's Gambit" might appear as a triumphant real-life sports story, it's actually an adaptation of a 1983 coming-of-age novel by Walter Tevis. Tevis, a chess enthusiast, consulted real chess masters to ensure the accurate portrayal of professional chess in his book. Therefore, Elizabeth Harmon's character is not based on a real orphaned chess prodigy from the '50s and '60s. However, if you're interested in real-life female chess players, Judit Polgar of Hungary is often considered the strongest in history.

Understanding the Queen's Gambit in Chess

Beth Harmon | The Queen's Gambit Main Character - Chess.com — Image Credits: Chess.com

In the realm of chess, a gambit is an opening move where a player sacrifices pieces to gain a favorable position later. "The Queen's Gambit" is one of the most popular gambits, known for its exceptional soundness even against perfect play. This is the move Beth employs in her climactic victory against Vasily Borgov, the Russian world champion. The Queen's Gambit's objective is to temporarily sacrifice a pawn to seize control of the center of the chessboard.

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Unveiling Beth's Tragic Family History

The Next Move is Yours: Tragedy Defines Strategy in 'The Queen's Gambit' (Part One) – Curtain Going Up! — Image Credits: WordPress.com

At the tender age of 9, Beth Harmon experienced a harrowing family tragedy. Her real mother, Alice, took her own life by driving into an oncoming vehicle. This heartbreaking incident unfolded after Alice sought help from Beth's father, Paul, who had moved on to a new family. With nowhere to turn, Alice attempted a fatal crash, leaving Beth miraculously alive but emotionally scarred throughout her life.