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The Best Episodes of The Queen's Gambit Season 1

Every episode of The Queen's Gambit Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Queen's Gambit Season 1!

Binge this in 6h 35mPeaking at 9.2/10

In a 1950s orphanage, a young girl reveals an astonishing talent for chess and begins an unlikely journey to stardom while grappling with addiction.

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Seasons1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Queen's Gambit Season 1 Episode 1 - Openings
    8.4/10(13851 votes)

    #1 - Openings

    S1:E1

    Sent to an orphanage at age 9, Beth develops an uncanny knack for chess — and a growing dependence on the green tranquilizers given to the children.

    Director:Scott Frank
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The Queen's Gambit Season 1 Episode 2 - Exchanges
    8.7/10(12932 votes)

    #2 - Exchanges

    S1:E2

    Suddenly plunged into a confusing new life in suburbia, teenage Beth studies her high school classmates and hatches a plan to enter a chess tournament.

    Director:Scott Frank
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Queen's Gambit Season 1 Episode 3 - Doubled Pawns
    8.4/10(11740 votes)

    #3 - Doubled Pawns

    S1:E3

    The trip to Cincinnati launches Beth and her mother into a whirlwind of travel and press coverage. Beth sets her sights on the U.S. Open in Las Vegas.

    Director:Scott Frank
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Queen's Gambit Season 1 Episode 4 - Middle Game
    8.4/10(11395 votes)

    #4 - Middle Game

    S1:E4

    Russian class opens the door to a new social scene. In Mexico City, Beth meets the intimidating Borgov, while her mother cozies up to a pen pal.

    Director:Scott Frank
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Queen's Gambit Season 1 Episode 5 - Fork
    8.2/10(11036 votes)

    #5 - Fork

    S1:E5

    Back home in Kentucky, a shaken Beth reconnects with a former opponent who offers to help sharpen her game ahead of the U.S. Championship.

    Director:Scott Frank
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Queen's Gambit Season 1 Episode 6 - Adjournment
    8.4/10(11129 votes)

    #6 - Adjournment

    S1:E6

    After training with Benny in New York, Beth heads to Paris for her rematch with Borgov. But a wild night sends her into a self-destructive spiral.

    Director:Scott Frank
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of The Queen's Gambit

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  8. The Queen's Gambit Season 1 Episode 7 - End Game
    9.2/10(14901 votes)

    #7 - End Game

    S1:E7

    A visit from an old friend forces Beth to reckon with her past and rethink her priorities — just in time for the biggest match of her life.

    Director:Scott Frank
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Openings" is the best rated episode of "The Queen's Gambit" season 1. It scored 8.4/10 based on 13851 votes. Directed by Scott Frank and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/23/2020. This episode is rated 0.3 points higher than the second-best, "Exchanges".