Beth Harmon’s life story is at the heart of The Queen’s Gambit. This quiz traces her journey from childhood trauma to international chess fame.
What tragic event leads to Beth being placed in an orphanage?
She is abandoned at a train station
Her mother dies in a car crash
Her father dies in a factory accident
A house fire destroys her home
Which substance does Beth become dependent on while living at Methuen Home for Girls?
Tranquilizer pills
Caffeine pills
Insulin shots
Steroids
What skill does Beth secretly practice at night by visualizing positions on the ceiling?
Music notation
Foreign language vocabulary
Chess games and positions
Algebra problems
Which international city does Beth travel to with Alma Wheatley for one of her first big tournaments overseas?
Amsterdam
Mexico City
Madrid
Rome
At which event does Beth first defeat Benny Watts to become U.S. champion?
The U.S. Championship in Ohio
The Paris Invitational
The U.S. Open in Las Vegas
The Kentucky State Championship
What happens to Alma Wheatley while she is accompanying Beth at a tournament in Mexico City?
She collapses but fully recovers the next day
She is arrested for unpaid bills
She dies in their hotel room after becoming ill
She returns home early after an argument
Who invites Beth to move to New York and train intensively before the Paris Invitational?
Mr Shaibel
Benny Watts
Harry Beltik
D. L. Townes
What destructive pattern does Beth fall back into after her loss to Borgov in Paris?
She vows never to play chess again and sells her books
She plunges into heavy drinking and pill use while isolating herself
She moves back into Methuen Home
She immediately signs a long term sponsorship deal
Who shows up at Beth’s house after her downward spiral to help get her back on track?
Mr Ganz
Cleo
Townes
Jolene
What does Beth do right after defeating Borgov and leaving the Soviet officials’ car in Moscow?
She immediately boards a plane back to the United States
She retires from chess on the spot
She gives a televised press conference
She walks to a park and sits down to play chess with local players
Starter
Starter: You remember the broad strokes of Beth’s journey. A closer look at key events will help you follow every step of her growth.
Solid
Solid: You have a strong handle on Beth’s timeline and choices. A bit more focus on when and where things happen will make you a true storyline expert.
Expert!
Expert: You can follow Beth’s life almost move by move, just like one of her games. Your grasp of her journey is outstanding.
Beth’s journey shows how talent, trauma, support, and hard work intertwine. Rewatch the series with her character arc in mind and you will spot even more subtle changes in her behavior and choices. The Queen’s Gambit Quizzes
