Warning: This post contains spoilers aboutThe Queen’s Gambit.
Who knew chess could be so thrilling?
But worry not; EW is here to help.
Anya Taylor-Joy in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’.CHARLIE GRAY/NETFLIX
Read on for our answers to your burning questions about the series.
IsThe Queen’s Gambitbased on a true story?
Not exactly; the series is based on a fictional novel by Walter Tevis, first published in 1983.
Phil Bray/Netflix
How accurate isThe Queen’s Gambit’s depiction of competitive chess?
The actors always knew exactly where every piece was supposed to go."
Pandolfini also worked with the actors to teach them how to hold and move the pieces like experienced players.
PHIL BRAY/NETFLIX
Citing the scene depicting the 1967 U.S.
Many tournaments of that era were played in odd and sometimes dingy locations.
Even the U.S. championship was not immune; the 1964-65 competition was not even held."
Netflix
What are the green pills Beth takes?
But did orphanages really give kids drugs like that?
“That’s where Beth’s drug dependency comes from in the novel.
KEN WORONER/NETFLIX
Writing about her was purgative.
There was some pain I did a lot of dreaming while writing that part of the story.”
What do I know that actor from?
PHIL BRAY/NETFLIX
The Queen’s Gambitfeatures several familiar faces who may not be household names.
Allow us to refresh your memory a bit.
She went on to star inM.
Netflix
Night Shyamalan’sSplitand its sequelGlass, as well as a smattering of acclaimed indie films includingThoroughbredsand this year’sEmma.
She’s also appeared inThe New Mutants(as Magik) and another Netflix series,Peaky Blinders.
“I always enjoy playing roles that have an element of transformation to them.
I enjoy the challenge of that,“Melling told EW.
