The Queen's Gambit - Netflix

[Argonaut]

Seconding this rec. The characters are all captivating and the story provides such an interesting social and (mildly) political commentary of the time period. I’ve always theoretically understood chess, but this made me appreciate what it takes to be great at it — and, like being great at anything, the process isn’t always pretty.

It is probably, IMO, the best thing I’ve watched on Netflix during ‘rona.

 

[FanFromMaine]

“Rona,” I like it.

 

[victor64]

Third this rec. Really well written and acted. Knowing chess helps but not required.

 

[j66kicker]

I’ve watched the whole thing, and really enjoyed it. Garry Kasparov was a consultant for the series. He says they made all the chess games variations of real historical games, made sure all the details were correct, as serious chess players have criticized previous chess movies because the games were nonsense/garbage. He said the behavior of the Russians & KGB was realistic. And said it was realistic to hold strategy sessions overnight for games continued to the following day. The only thing not realistic chess-wise is they play much faster on screen than in real life (necessary to move things along in the video production).

Kasparov also said he’s known a couple players who were druggies like Beth, but that would never fly nowadays - too intense a focus is required. He said he also knew players who ‘sort of’ visualized games like she did on the ceiling, but not in a drug-induced state.

Also, some think her story parallels the real story of Bobby Fisher in many ways, including the time period.

 

[Scud49]

Just finished it a few days ago - absolulty loved it. It draws you in emotionally right away. Ayna Taylor-Joy in the lead role is a delight, and her supporting cast is wonderful. I actually hated to finish the series...!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Well you folks convinced me. 3/4 through first episode and I'm hooked.

 

[NEforceUConn]

Best series on Netflix since Ozark.

Really a joy to watch.

 

[Bronxjeff]

If you want a very good chess analysis of the series, this fellow agadmator has recreated a series of the games on YouTube:

 

[AmeriConn]

It was excellent!

 

[calpedaler]

I really enjoyed the series. I've never played chess, but Beth in competitions were my favorite scenes.

 

[willtalk]

Watched tree episodes days ago an had to get some sleep. This post was a good reminder to see the rest.

 

[Topsail]

my Wife and I binged watched it about a month ago. It was an excellent series. I told 3 additional friends about the series and they were equally impressed.

 

[huskyd]

There were other, real women chess prodigies. Here's a story from the NY Times:

How ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ Started a New Debate About Sexism in Chess

The Netflix hit captures the struggles of women in the game, where female grandmasters are rare. But the reality, one top player says, is worse.

www.nytimes.com

.

 

[Ozimoto]

My wife found it and we both enjoyed it very much.

 

[cohenzone]

I did a post on this a few weeks ago in tge Entertainment forum . Great series. Hope it wins awards.

 

[Bronxjeff]

I've played chess for over 60 years (probably played better 10 or 15years ago) but still enjoy the game. For several years I've played online at LiChess where you get to play live games with players from around the world. The site is well run and includes very good instruction and tutorials if you like:

The best free, adless Chess server

Free online chess server. Play chess in a clean interface. No registration, no ads, no plugin required. Play chess with the computer, friends or random opponents.

lichess.org

 

[CocoHusky]

Thanks for this treasure. I started and finished yesterday and then immediately started praying for Season 2.

 

[Scud49]

Thanks for this treasure. I started and finished yesterday and then immediately started praying for Season 2.
View attachment 61870

I've thought about a season 2, and tried to tell myself it would be a good move.......but, I can't convince myself of that. I know there are plenty of clever screenwriters out there, but why chance it? So many sequels have bombed out, and this thing is golden in my eyes right now.

 

[CocoHusky]

I've thought about a season 2, and tried to tell myself it would be a good move.......but, I can't convince myself of that. I know there are plenty of clever screenwriters out there, but why chance it? So many sequels have bombed out, and this thing is golden in my eyes right now.

These characters are so rich and complex though. Take Jolene for example who only makes an appearance in episodes 1 and 7. ( Spoiler Alert) You could spend at least a half season of how she went from orphan to squash playing? to law school? to radical? It is not like the writers would be lacking for tunes either which were absolutely wonderful.

 

[Argonaut]

I've thought about a season 2, and tried to tell myself it would be a good move.......but, I can't convince myself of that. I know there are plenty of clever screenwriters out there, but why chance it? So many sequels have bombed out, and this thing is golden in my eyes right now.

But, but.... I need to know where Beth ends up living! If it's where we last see her, I feel like that starts an entirely new story.

 

[Scud49]

These characters are so rich and complex though. Take Jolene for example who only makes an appearance in episodes 1 and 7. ( Spoiler Alert) You could spend at least a half season of how she went from orphan to squash playing? to law school? to radical? It not like the writers would be lacking for tunes either which were absolutely wonderful.

Oh, I hear ya... Jolene is a very interesting and likable character....and tunes, plenty of options there! Damn, you're pushing me over the edge.

But, but.... I need to know where Beth ends up living! If it's where we last see her, I feel like that starts an entirely new story.

She is such an intriguing person....no question...! You guys are doing it to me.

 

[MilliniumPrince]

I hope they avoid the temptation of a second series. This one should be allowed to stand is as.

 

[Bronxjeff]

Thanks for this treasure. I started and finished yesterday and then immediately started praying for Season 2.
View attachment 61870

I am pretty sure they said this would be the only season.

As a rule, with many exceptions, my wife and I forego second seasons - even of great series. We've termed our rule "the 48 rule" based on loving the original "24" and being so disappointed in the next season.

 

[Bronxjeff]

I just bumped into this article on an interesting aspect of the show:

Inspecting 11 Rooms From The Queen’s Gambit

Designer Uli Hanisch on painting wallpaper, leaving taste behind, and building a “temple to chess.”

www.curbed.com

 

[CocoHusky]

I just bumped into this article on an interesting aspect of the show:

Inspecting 11 Rooms From The Queen’s Gambit

Designer Uli Hanisch on painting wallpaper, leaving taste behind, and building a “temple to chess.”

www.curbed.com

OMG when the wall paper matched her bedding I was instantly taken back to being a young kid and the Sears mini catologue for bed linen.