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The Queen's Gambit

Scott Frank

The Queen's Gambit is the 2020 Netflix miniseries created by Scott Frank and Allan Scott, based on Walter Tevis's 1983 novel. In 1950s Kentucky, the orphaned Beth Harmon is sent to the Methuen Home for Girls, where the custodian, Mr. Shaibel, teaches her chess in the basement. She turns out to be a prodigy. Adopted as a teenager by Alma Wheatley, Beth begins winning tournaments across America and abroad while struggling with a dependence on tranquilizers and alcohol. Over the 1960s her ambition leads her toward the world's best players, above all the Soviet champion Vasily Borgov.

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Words you’ll meet

The words readers of this text looked up most, each with its meaning and the line it comes from.

Beth / bɛθ /noun

A female given name, short form of Elizabeth or Bethan

Beth was a sweet child.

barely / ˈbɛərli /adverb

In a minimal or insufficient manner

They barely noticed her.

hardlyscarcely

sharp / ʃɑːrp /adjective

Mentally acute or quick-witted

Her mind was sharp.

acuteastuteclever

calm / kɑːm /adjective

Steady and peaceful

She spoke in a calm voice.

tranquilserenepeaceful

nodded / ˈnɒdɪd /verb

To move one's head up and down, indicating agreement, understanding, or acknowledgment

She nodded in agreement.

gestureagreeassent

faded / ˈfeɪdɪd /verb

Gradually disappear

The music faded.

diminishdissolveevaporate

an envelope / ən ˈenvəloʊp /noun

A flat, usually rectangular paper container for a letter

She received an envelope in the mail.

lettermail

crave / kreɪv /verb

To have an extremely strong desire for something

She began to crave chocolate after dinner.

desirelong foryearn

fame / feɪm /noun

the state of being known or talked about by many people, especially because of notable achievements

Fame can be fleeting.

popularityreputationcelebrity

neatly / ˈniːtli /adverb

In a tidy and careful manner

She neatly arranged the books on the shelf.

tidilyorderly

began / bɪˈɡɪn /verb

To start or cause to start operating or happening

The rumor began to spread.

commenceinitiateoriginate

opponent / əˈpoʊnənt /noun

A person or group that is one's rival in a competition, contest, or game

Her opponent was gracious in defeat.

adversarychallengercompetitor

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