17 details you might have missed in 'The Queen's Gambit'

Kim RenfroDec 5, 2020, 05:24 IST

Beth and Alma wearing pink and blue in "The Queen's Gambit."Netflix

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit."
The hit limited series "The Queen's Gambit" follows a young chess genius named Beth Harmon through her roller coaster career.
Insider rewatched every episode to bring you the best references, costume details, and other small moments in the show you might have missed the first time.

Netflix's hit series "The Queen's Gambit" takes place throughout the 1960s, bringing a glamorous spin on what the world of competitive chess might have looked like through a young woman's genius.

The main character, Beth Harmon, undergoes style transformations that reflect her personal relationships and surroundings. The show makes real-world references to famous chess players and pop culture along the way, too.

Insider rewatched every episode in the limited series to take a closer look at some of the smaller details and moments fans might not have picked up on the first time through.

From analyzing Beth's memorable outfits to the poets she quoted, keep reading to see the 17 details you might have missed in "The Queen's Gambit."

In one of Beth's early school classes, the teacher is quoting a notable woman poet named Stevie Smith.

The teacher is quoting from Smith's most-famous poem, "Not Waving But Drowning." Netflix

The only scene of Beth in high school includes a small connection back to her mother's career in mathematics.

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth in "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

Actor Harry Melling based his playing style on a real chess player.

Actor Harry Melling as Harry Beltik in "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

Beth didn't just get a new dress with her first chess winnings - she also bought herself the shoes that all the popular girls were wearing in her high school.

Beth wearing her new shoes in the opening of episode three, "Doubled Pawns." Netflix

When Townes is photographing Beth, he tells her to say "Ruy López!" That's a chess opening move named after a 16th century priest.

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as D.L. Townes in "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

The first time Beth suffers a major loss in chess, the camera begins to tilt in what's known as a "Dutch angle" shot.

The Dutch angle shot used in episode three of "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

Beth was likely using young Georgi's interest in American movie stars against him when she picked a yellow top for the conclusion of their match.

Beth Harmon in "The Queen's Gambit" and the real Elizabeth Taylor in 1961. Netflix and Getty Images

Alma's death might have been foreshadowed by the way this scene was framed.

Alma looking into the hotel room mirror just before her death. Netflix

Following Alma's death, Beth focuses in on one of the Rosa Bonhuer prints hanging up in their house.

The horse painting in Alma's house. Netflix

Margaret was in the Ben Synder's department store just a couple years after she said she "wouldn't be caught dead in Ben Snyder's."

Margaret in high school and then years later in Ben Snyder's. Netflix

Cleo might have been a Russian plant sent to sabotage Beth in Paris.

Beth and Cleo at the hotel bar in Paris. Phil Bray/Netflix

The dress Beth wears during her Paris match against Borgov matches her tranquilizer pills.

Beth entering the room for her Paris game against Borgov. Netflix

During her bender, Beth wears light pinks and blues; the same colors Alma used to favor.

Beth and Alma wearing pink and blue in "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

One of the newspaper clippings Mr. Schaibel saved features this opening line: "Beth Harmon proves not all women are dumb."

A wall of articles in Mr. Schaibel's basement office. Netflix

Beth still uses the first chess set she ever bought. You can see it on her hotel room table in Russia.

Beth with her first personal chess set in episode two, and that same set with her in Russian in episode seven. Netflix

Townes mentions that the Russian embassy thought he'd distract Beth - another hint that Cleo wasn't all she seemed.

Beth and Townes in Russia together. Netflix

Beth dressed like a white queen chess piece after her win.

The final shot of "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

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