Netflix’s mini-series The Queen’s Gambit sparks explosion of interest in chess

best chess related products online
Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in "The Queen's Gambit". Picture: Phil Bray/Netflix.

There seems to be a clear link between Netflix’s mini-series “The Queen’s Gambit” and the recent interest in chess. After it premiered at the end of October this year, the sales of anything chess-related, from chess sets, timers and books have skyrocketed. Below, we have picked out the best chess related products, that is hot in the market right now.

The Queen’s Gambit is a mini-series set in the 1950s and 1960s. It is about the main character Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who emerges in the male-dominated chess world.

An industry survey conducted by the analysis company NPR shows that sales of chess sets increased by 87% and chess books 603% the month after the mini-series was launched. It is a question of whether the interest in chess has gained a real boost in recent months.

Women, in particular, have been inspired by the fictional chess genius Elizabeth Harmon.

But the breakout star of the show – perhaps, even more than Anya Taylor-Joy – is the sport itself.

Board games are very popular now during the pandemic, but also chess games and accessories to this have thus received a real boost thanks to The Queen’s Gambit.

There are several chess related products where we have seen increased sales. Chess for beginners is common keywords when searching for products in the subject. So there seems to be many who do not know the game before and now want to learn.

Best books on chess

Books on chess have shown record sales in recent months. Here we suggest the best, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.

My First Chess Book: 35 easy and fun chess-based activities

best book on how to play chess

The book My First Chess Book: 35 easy and fun chess-based activities showed sales that went up by 400% the month after The Queen’s Gambit premiered.

This is a book for anyone who wants to learn to play chess or who can already play and wants to develop their game. It is a fun and clearly illustrated guide with the basics of chess with 35 fun exercises of varying difficulty.

Many of the exercises you can do all by yourself, while some require you to have an opponent.

Chess player’s bible: from basic techniques to classic master moves

best book about chess

In this book, you will learn the chess game’s key techniques and the masters’ classic moves and combinations. The book is suitable for both beginners and more advanced players.

There are more than 300 examples where the authors show strategies for attack and defence in the opening game, the middle game and the playoffs. At the end of each chapter, you will have the opportunity to test your knowledge and hone your abilities in the Masters’ challenges.

There is also a quick guide “How to win a chess game” in the book. What is particularly interesting is that here you can also learn from the chess game’s greatest masters, both historical and contemporary under a separate section called “party analyzes”.

Best chess sets online

Another category of chess related products that has increased significantly in sales in recent months is the chess set. There are many stylish chess sets online, whether you want to invest a little in cheaper variants or an exclusive variant in wood.

Here we have picked out some of our favourites:

Chess set The Queen’s Gambit

chess set in the queen's gambit

Here we have a chess set with design from one of the scenes in Queens Gambit. This is the ultimate gift for all the fans of Queens Gambit!

But it is actually more than just a chess set. It’s a three-in-one wooden chess set, that also has the games checkers and backgammon in it. This chess set will bring you lots of fun at Christmas and is suitable also for weekend trips, at home, school, travel and competition.

Chess set in wood

best chess sets in wood best chess related products

For those who want both a stylish interior detail and a chess set of the highest quality, a wooden chess set is something to invest in.

This is a complete chess set made of premium wood with delicate texture and details to ensure a quality touch feel while playing the game. The wood is also durable and built to last for long-term usage. It measures 12.8 x 12.8 inches and is also built with 2 storage drawers to conveniently accommodate the chess pieces after finishing the game.

The chess set in different materials

chess set in glass best chess related products

For those who are looking for a chess set in different, but at the same time luxurious materials, there are also good alternatives on the market.

There are also chess sets with pieces of metal and glass if you prefer alternative materials. The boards can also be found in glass and other luxurious materials.

Affordable chess sets online

affordable chess sets

There are also many cheap variants of chess sets online if you wish. Despite this, you will find here a traditional and nice chess game of high quality like this one. It’s handmade with high quality wooden material and the smooth surface of the entire chess board ensures optimal touch comfort.

Luxurious chess set

luxurious chess set online best chess related products

Some of the market’s most luxurious chess sets can be found at Infinity. In this professional chess set, the six sides of each piece are polished by double-sided diamond. On this chess board you play like royalty!

Best movies and documentaries about chess

Chess also appears frequently in films, from Sherlock Holmes to 007 Bond films. But it is in documentaries that we get to learn more about the masters of chess and their fascinating lives.

Here are the best documentaries about chess:

Bobby Fischer Against The World (2011)

best documentaries about chess

Bobby Fischer Against The World is the first documentary about chess master Bobby Fischer. Here we get to follow the bizarre and tragic fate of his life that he went through.

There was no shortage of drama in his career. He had a troubled childhood but came to reach rock star and iconic status as world champion in chess during the Cold War. But he came to terms with his home country the United States and became a refugee on the run.

Fischer is one of the most infamous and mysterious characters of the 20th century. A story is well worth getting to know, especially for anyone who loves chess!

Magnus (2016)

best movies about chess best chess related products

Magnus Carlsen, a Norweigian chess prodigy, becomes a grandmaster at the age of 13 and world champion in 2013.

This documentary shows the road to becoming the world champion and also how he developed as a human being.

Trivia: This film was shot over a decade, from 2004-2014.

I often decisions on intuition. Intuitions come a bit from with it that one then feels that ‘here’s something’.
– Magnus Carlsen

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