The Story of The Queen´s Gambit
The Queen´s Gambit is a popular Netflix miniseries that premiered in October 2020 and quickly gained widespread critical acclaim. The strong storyline and compelling characters have captivated audiences, but one question that has been circling around is whether the series is based on a true story or not. Many viewers have speculated that the show is based on a real-life chess prodigy and her journey to become a world champion. In this article, we will debunk this myth and explore the origins of The Queen´s Gambit.
The Source Material
The Queen´s Gambit is actually based on a novel of the same name written by Walter Tevis and published in 1983. Tevis was a well-known American author who was known for his science fiction and fantasy novels. He also had a passion for chess and was a member of the United States Chess Federation. The Queen´s Gambit was one of his final works before he passed away in 1984.
The Plot of the Novel
The Queen´s Gambit novel follows the story of a young orphan girl named Beth Harmon. She discovers her talent for chess at a young age and rises to become a world-class player. Throughout the novel, Beth struggles with addiction, loneliness, and the pressures of being in a male-dominated field. The story takes place in the 1950s and 1960s, highlighting the cultural and societal expectations faced by women during that time. It is a coming-of-age story and a tale of determination and resilience.
The Real-Life Inspirations
Although The Queen´s Gambit is a work of fiction, there are certainly real-life inspirations for the characters and events depicted in the story. For example, the character of Benny Watts, Beth´s recurring opponent and eventual mentor, is loosely based on real-life chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer. Fischer´s style and persona heavily influenced the creation of Watts in both the novel and the series.
The character of Beth Harmon herself is also believed to be inspired by real-life chess prodigies such as Judit Polgár, Susan Polgar, and Nona Gaprindashvili. These women were the top female players of their time and were breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of chess. Their achievements and struggles likely served as inspiration for the character of Beth Harmon and her journey in the series.
The Differences between Fiction and Reality
While The Queen´s Gambit may have some real-world inspirations, it is important to note that it is still a work of fiction. The events and characters in the series are dramatized for entertainment purposes, and not all aspects of the story are based on true events. For example, the character of Beth Harmon is entirely fictional, and her struggles with addiction are not based on any specific real-life individual. Similarly, the events and outcomes of her chess games are also fictional and not based on any specific games or players.
In an interview with NPR, the director of the series, Scott Frank, explained that he was drawn to the story because it was “about this character who´s in a profession, in an arena, where she was the only one,” but ultimately it is a work of fiction that explores universal themes and struggles that many people can relate to.
In conclusion
To sum it up, The Queen´s Gambit is not based on a true story, but rather on a novel that was inspired by real-life individuals and events. While the series may have some parallels with real-world chess prodigies and societal struggles, it is ultimately a work of fiction that aims to entertain and inspire its audience. Whether it´s fact or fiction, The Queen´s Gambit has definitely made its mark and has become a beloved and celebrated piece of storytelling.
