Netflix Just Released The Perfect Queen’s Gambit Replacement (Based On True Events)

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While The Queen’s Gambit sparked a lot of interest in chess, Netflix‘s new documentary, Queen of Chess, is receiving even more praise. The Queen’s Gambit, which came out in 2020, quickly became one of Netflix’s biggest hits, and Anya Taylor-Joy’s compelling portrayal of chess genius Elizabeth “Beth” Harmon won her many awards.

Watching The Queen’s Gambit had a surprisingly large impact. The show sparked a huge surge of interest in chess, bringing in many new players, viewers, and dedicated fans. Its detailed 1950s and 60s fashion also influenced the fashion world, solidifying the show’s place in popular culture. However, the world of chess itself is full of incredible true stories, like the one told in the 2026 film Queen of Chess.

Queen Of Chess Follows The Life & Career Of Grandmaster Judit Polgár

Polgár Is Widely Recognized As A Trailblazer Of Her Industry

While reviews for the documentary Queen of Chess have varied, the film’s subject, chess grandmaster Judit Polgár, is truly remarkable. The film uses a blend of old footage and new interviews to tell the story of Polgár’s challenging journey to success, the enormous expectations placed upon her, and the difficulties she faced as a woman in the world of competitive chess.

Judit Polgár wasn’t naturally gifted at chess; her father intentionally trained her from a young age as an experiment to prove that genius is developed, not innate. This rigorous training was incredibly successful, and she became the youngest grandmaster in history at just 15 years old. After dedicating decades to the sport, Polgár retired from professional chess in 2014.

Queen Of Chess & The Queen’s Gambit’s Similarities Go Beyond Chess

The Boundary-Breaking Grandmaster Bears A Striking Resemblance To A Fictional Icon

Judit Polgár faced significant sexism in the chess world, and her unique childhood mirrors the story of Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit. Similar to Beth, Judit had a mentor figure—not a father—who sparked her passion for chess, which eventually became all-consuming.

Chess wasn’t just a game for either Beth Harmon or Judit Polgár. Polgár’s success changed how people viewed Hungary and, significantly, women’s abilities in chess. Likewise, Beth saw chess as central to who she was, and her intense competition with Vasily Borgov reflected the long-standing rivalry between Polgár and Garry Kasparov.

Is Queen Of Chess Better Than The Queen’s Gambit?

Both Are Stories Worth Telling

Both Queen of Chess and The Queen’s Gambit are compelling stories about the world of chess and both are worthy of praise. However, they might attract slightly different audiences. The Queen’s Gambit is a beautifully made miniseries, boasting incredible visuals, a moving score, and thoughtful underlying themes. While Queen of Chess is certainly engaging, its documentary style might not have the same broad appeal.

Despite its flaws, chess enthusiasts will probably enjoy Queen of Chess because it realistically portrays Judit Polgár’s life and career, and uses chess to reflect broader societal struggles. Similar to Beth Harmon, Polgár faced significantly more challenges than her male competitors, but ultimately built a lasting and triumphant legacy through her wins.

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2026-02-13 15:01