The Queen’s Gambit is one of the most powerful dramas on Netflix. Ever. And the critics agree – this masterpiece is the “Best Limited Series” Emmy winner. Bravo!

Who could have guessed that a show about chess strategy could hook you like this! If there was ever a reason to break your resolve not to binge on more Netflix, this is it.

Based on the 1983 book by Walter Tevis, The Queen’s Gambit uses highly nuanced characters to tell an unconventional tale that thrills as much as it inspires.

From the swirling mist of a complicated childhood, substance addiction, and the male-dominated world of chess, comes child prodigy: Elizabeth (“Beth”) Harmon. She emerges, submerges, and finally re-emerges on the grand stage. Glamourously triumphant.

Hers is a story of a girl’s pain and heartaches, and a woman’s strength and self-discovery. A day of chess competition is a day at the office for Beth. We witness her good and bad days at the office, and the perseverance it takes in the face of tremendous odds to be successful.

Here are 8 of the best quotes from The Queen’s Gambit, all loaded with work wisdom and career inspiration. Don’t forget to pack ’em up and take to work with you tomorrow!

Powerful “The Queen’s Gambit” Quotes

1. “Let’s play”

“Let’s play” may be the on-screen line taken most literally during last year’s holiday season. Fans of the popular Netflix show flocked to acquire chess boards or download chess game apps.

For others, the simple yet powerful quote from The Queen’s Gambit may serve as a motivational mantra. 

Let’s play charges the atmosphere, leaving the air so thick with anticipation you could slice it with the edge of a chess piece.

When Beth utters them, there is a fire behind those two simple words.

The mood in the room shifts. There’s intensity. There’s determination.

These words can light another fire too. Your own.

The quote is a powerful call to action. Why not use it, or one similar, to rev yourself up right before a work challenge?

Let’s play was the battle cry that preceded countless victories for Beth in the series. It can be your motivational cry too.

2. “I don’t play with strangers” 

Mr. Shaibel, the custodian at Beth’s orphanage, initially denies her when she asks him to teach her the game of chess, a revered pastime of his. The reason is simple: there is no established relationship between them.

In any transactional relationship, we must first build a foundation of trust. Where we expect clients or partners to acquire goods or services from us, it is useful to continuously stop and ask ourselves, “Are we doing enough to build, and maintain, confidence in the relationship?”

Relationship-building takes time, which in itself varies by country culture.

Beth dedicates most afternoons to the relentless practice of chess with Mr. Shaibel, undeterred by the dinghy learning environment (the school basement). As with any steady and consistent effort, their teacher-student partnership eventually bears fruit.

It’s a big harvest.

3. “What surprised me was how bad they played”

4. “Maybe if you’d gotten here on time”

When Beltik arrives late to her first major chess final, Beth doesn’t hide her displeasure. Lack of punctuality does not go unobserved. Especially on first-time encounters.

Punctuality is a basic professional courtesy (unfortunately, late arrivals to meetings is not uncommon.) Be mindful that by global business standards, lateness is not only generally regarded as impolite but as poor business etiquette.

Let’s renew our commitments to be punctual professionals!

5. “Anger is a potent spice. A pinch wakes you up, too much dulls your senses.”

Could this be the best quote from The Queen’s Gambit? It certainly sits high on my list of favourites. Like a piece of Jolly Rancher candy, it is a hard truth offered in pretty, poetic wrapping.

Harry Beltik chides Beth on her poor anger management as it negatively impacts her play.

The spicy quote is an excellent reminder to all of us on the importance of exhibiting emotional intelligence .

In an infuriating work situation, it is okay to feel the natural buzz of displeasure when something is not going right. Leverage that pinch of anger to heighten your alertness and keenness to problem-solve. Control it so that it does not dull your good senses and cloud your decision-making skills.

Remain level-headed and productive, and emerge a winner.

Also Read: 6 Career Mistakes That are Easy to Make. Or Avoid.  

6. “I’m a different player now”

This introspective quote from The Queen’s Gambit also comes from Beth to Beltik. And it really makes one stop to think, doesn’t it?

Have you evolved as a professional? How so? Where has the evolution taken place – in your emotional intelligence, or leadership skills, or technical capabilities perhaps?

7. “Do you ever go over games in your head?”

“Doesn’t everyone?” is the immediate response from the equally as passionate player, Benny, to Beth.

8. “Chess isn’t always competitive. Chess can also be beautiful. It’s an entire world of 64 squares.”

Beth’s description of chess is striking. Three simple sentences packed with emotional layers. This is undoubtly one of the most heartfelt and best quotes from The Queen’s Gambit.

Chess is Beth’s profession and it requires an abundance of hard work and dedication on her part. Chess is also her passion. 

When some folks think about work, it feels like a burden. Yet, work does not – and should not – be unfulfilling (although, let’s be honest, certain work tasks can be a real drag!)

It would be a shame to solely commit yourself to a craft that you feel obligated to adhere to for the lift to your wallet, but never to your soul.

Some find work that they are passionate about, while others have to get creative and inject passion into existing work in order to see it in a renewed perspective. 

However you arrive there, never stop pursuing a professional venture that combines your talents with the passion that lives inside of you.

Discover your own world of beautiful shapes, as Beth does in The Queen’s Gambit.

In real life, there are remarkable chess prodigies whose stories are currently in motion. There’s 9 year old Nigerian refugee, Tanitoluwa (“Tani”) Adewumi (read his story here) who is based in the US, and Alireza Firouzja, an Iranian teenage prodigy who beat the the world chess master earlier this year in an online competition. How would Beth fare against these young marvels? Your guess is as good as mine!