‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (miniseries)

The Netflix shοw about chess sparked off interest in the game globally.

A fictional story

In a 1950s orphanage, a young girl reveals an astonishing talent for chess and begins an unlikely journey to stardom while grappling with addiction.

The Queen’s gambit

Sent to an orphanage at age 9, Beth Harmon is a morose and unremarkable young girl. That is until she plays her first game of chess. By the age of sixteen, Beth becomes a champion, despite the fact that she was still in her teens. However, as she beats one player after another and strenghten her skills, her isolation is spiked and the thought of escape is tempting.

The impact

1. The original novel of The Queen’s Gambit is now The New York Times best-selling novel of all time.
2. A record 62 million households watched “The Queen’s Gambit” in its first month.
3. Google searches for “how to play chess” face a sharp increase.
4. The show fueled demand for sets, accessories and timers. It has been reported record on chess set sales. On eBay the amount of “chessboards” searches has increased by 250%.
5. The number of signups on online chess platforms has been skyrocketed. On chess.com more and more players are joining worldwide.
6. Netflix released the series on October 23, 2020. After four weeks it had become Netflix’s most-watched scripted miniseries.

Cast and main characters

• Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon
• Isla Johnston as young Beth
• Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts
• Bill Camp as Mr. Shaibel
• Harry Melling as Harry Beltik
• Marielle Heller as Alma Wheatley