The Queen’s Gambit

The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis is a novel published in 1983 that gained renewed popularity after its adaptation into a critically acclaimed television miniseries in 2020. The book delves into the psychological depth and intensity of high-level chess, making it a compelling read for both chess enthusiasts and general audiences.

The story follows a young orphan named Beth Harmon, whose mother dies in an automobile accident when Beth is only eight years old. She spends approximately four years in a Kentucky orphanage, where she learns to play chess from a quiet and mysterious custodian. He eventually gives her an old copy of Modern Chess Openings, which quickly becomes Beth’s bible. She studies the openings and plays through them in her mind while lying in bed every night. Beth rapidly begins to defeat her mentor, demonstrating natural talent as a chess prodigy.

Just before turning thirteen, Beth is adopted by a Lexington couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley, and begins her journey toward a promising chess career. The novel chronicles her trials and tribulations as she progresses from local tournaments to international events, all while battling alcoholism. The frequent use of chess terms and openings throughout the book keeps chess fans engaged, while the compelling narrative makes it enjoyable for any reader. The author references historical chess literature (Deutsche Schachzeitung, Échecs Europe, American Chess Bulletin) and seamlessly blends real chess professionals (Tal, Petrosian, Reshevsky, etc.) with fictional characters (Watts, Beltik, Borgov, Luchenko).

Chess openings such as the Sicilian, Caro-Kann, and Ruy Lopez are discussed and elaborated on just enough to make the games feel real and engaging. Beth’s exhaustive preparation for tournaments and countless hours of hard work provide a realistic glimpse into the rigorous training habits of true chess professionals. The noticeable lack of drawn games was a bit odd, given that draws occur in more than half of high-level chess games.

All in all, I highly recommend The Queen’s Gambit. The book keeps you entertained and eager to see what happens next. Beth is a likable protagonist, and many readers will find her struggles and triumphs relatable. I expect that casual chess fans will thoroughly enjoy this book.