Via Netflix

Although The Queen's Gambit is primarily a drama about the journey and triumph of a female chess prodigy in the 1960s in a field dominated by men, the chess scenes are anything but an afterthought. In fact, chess enthusiasts will enjoy the series as much as any casual viewer because they don't need to suspend disbelief when watching the chess matches.

That's because chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov and renowned chess coach and author Bruce Pandolfini served as consultants and choreographed every chess move in the show. It is this level of attention to detail that has contributed to the show's success and popularity.

That being said, let's look at some of Beth's most defining wins that set her on the path to greatness. And needless to say, spoilers follow!

1 - Mr. Shaibel (Kentucky)

Via Netflix

Mr. Shaibel is the janitor who first taught Beth how to play chess. At the start, Mr. Shaibel kept beating her. But Beth is a fast learner and the day arrives when he finally beats her mentor. While initially miffed at losing, Mr. Shaibel eventually recognizes Beth's talent and praises her.

While this match didn't result in any prize, it was perhaps the most significant because of the pride and confidence that Beth gained. This experience lit a fire in the young girl that made her hungry enough to progress further in the world of chess.

2 - D.L. Townes (Kentucky)

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In Lexington, Kentucky, Beth starts playing in the local chess tournaments. Ironically enough, Beth pulls off a crucial win against D.L. Townes, an older boy who she's attracted to. This win makes Beth a local celebrity because Townes is considered a tough player yet she easily defeated him.

3 - Harry Beltik (Kentucky)

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At the Kentucky State Championship's penultimate match, Beth faced Harry Beltik. He's good enough that he's considered a possible future grandmaster.

However, Beltik doesn't see much competition in Beth and shows his disdain by arriving 15 minutes late. This actually flusters Beth at first and Beltik is on the brink of beating her. However, a bathroom break and some tranquilizer-induced inspiration allow Beth to come back for an upset win.

4 - Master Rudolph (Cincinnati)

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Beth is now competing in the Cincinnati Tournament where, after mowing down the early contestants, she faces off against National Master Rudolph.

Despite being on the defensive for most of the match, Beth manages to skillfully squeeze off a checkmate even with just a rook, a knight, and three pawns left.

5 - Giorgi Giev (Mexico)

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Beth and Alma are now in Mexico City where the Invitational Chess Tournament is being held. Opposite Beth is 13-year-old Giorgi Giev, a chess prodigy himself who started playing at age four and is already a Russian Grandmaster.

It's a tough match that is stalemated over two days. However, Beth manages to throw several distractions at Giorgi such as tapping her feet or getting up and pacing after each move. This allows Beth to break the stalemate and win the match.

6 - Benny Watts (Ohio)

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Beth suffered her first tournament loss at the hands of Benny Watts during the Las Vegas U.S. Open Chess Championship. While she was recognized as co-champion with Watts, the loss still stung.

But the next year, Beth takes her sweet revenge against Watts by beating him at the Ohio U.S. Championship. Furthermore, Watts acknowledges Beth's prowess and agreed to help her for her Paris and Moscow competitions.

7 - Laev (Moscow)

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Beth went into this match with her confidence shaken after Borgov defeats her in Paris. But it doesn't get any easier with the tough competition facing her at the Moscow Invitational.

But her 27-move win over Laev, her Soviet opponent, gave Beth a much-needed shot in the arm. She moves onto the next stage with renewed confidence while increasing her celebrity status, as well.

8 - Flento (Moscow)

Via Netflix

Beth's matches only get tougher, this time undergoing a four-hour chess duel with a Russian chess pro named Flento. Unfortunately for him, he severely underestimates Beth because she's a woman, allowing her to execute her winning moves with 11 black chess pieces remaining. Flento's King is cornered by a checkmate from Beth's rook.

9 - Luchenko (Moscow)

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Before Beth's match with Flento, she went up against Luchenko. He was one seriously tough competitor, having been a former world champion. But despite his status, the shaggy-haired Russian was all praises for Beth.

After a whole day, the match had to be adjourned, the only one of Beth's matches in the Moscow Invitational to have done so. The next day, Beth finally beats Luchenko with 25 minutes remaining. Gracious even in defeat, the Russian master again compliments Beth on her skills.

10 - Vasily Borgov (Moscow)

Via Netflix

Borgov has been a thorn on Beth's side with her having lost twice to him in Mexico City and Paris. Beth finally defeated Borgov in the finale match with a move that the series is named after: The Queen's Gambit.

Once she institutes the move, Borgov suddenly signals for an adjournment. As she waits in her hotel room, Benny, Harry, and the twins call Beth to help her figure out Borgov's gameplan. By this time, Beth no longer needs tranquilizers to help visualize her winning moves and manages to finally defeat her chess rival.