Netflix shows have always been popular, and they often keep us captivated for weeks on end. In the past few months, there was one show that created some buzz online: The Queen's Gambit.
One of the reasons people paid this series a lot of attention is the fact that it can teach us a lot about many important issues: feminism, chess, and interestingly enough – online poker.
In the past, poker was often compared to chess, as both games have common traits. The Queen's Gambit served to highlight those similarities, and they reminded us how chess might affect poker welcome bonuses.
So, what can we learn from the show? How does chess resemble offline and online poker? Stay tuned and find out the answers to those questions!
From the Chess Board to the Poker Tables
So, what can a chess-related TV show teach us about playing poker? Apparently, you can learn a lot.
Spoiler alert!
Those of you who have been planning to watch the show in the future should stop now and resume reading the article after checking The Queen's Gambit out.
- Age is not a factor – In the show, Beth began playing - and practicing - chess at the age of nine. In a few short years, she became a chess pro, beating far more experienced players. The same thing applies to online poker: as long as you put in the hours and practice, your age doesn't affect your ability to play the game. So, work hard, master the game, and you might be able to outshine far older poker pros!
- You can overcome adversities – What most people loved about Beth Harmon in The Queen's Gambit is the fact she didn't consider herself at a disadvantage when it came to playing chess. While everyone around her implied that being a woman and coming from a tragic and poor background will set her back, she didn't care. Beth didn't let anyone influence her personal resolve to become a better player, and neither should you. Your gender or your background can't stop you from becoming a poker pro – if you don't let it.
- Don't wait too long to start playing – Many poker players believe that book-learning should always come before actual poker play. But in many cases, you can keep learning all about the game for weeks and months – without feeling ready to move on to the real thing. But the truth is that you will never feel ready. Learning as you go and placing real money bets is the best way to get better at poker. Practice makes perfect! Not surprisingly, that's exactly what happened in the show: Beth signed up for her first tournament while knowing practically no technical details. However, she trusted herself and learned on the go.
- Be open to criticism – Let's face it – no matter how good you are at playing poker, you will make mistakes. The question is: are you willing to learn from them or not? In the show, Beth managed to beat her toughest opponent by relying on her friends, relying on their analysis of the game, and understanding that she needs the feedback to win. In poker, the same rules apply. You won't be able to master the game without taking a moment to analyze your moves and learn from previous errors in judgment.
- Take care of yourself – Throughout the series, Beth struggled with addiction. And even though chess helped her focus, at times, her passion turned into an unhealthy obsession. Whenever you play competitive games like poker, where there is money is on the line, your mental and physical health is of the utmost importance. If you feel that playing poker harms your personal life in any way, don't be afraid of seeking help. Take care of yourself and you will be able to enjoy the game without suffering from any repercussions.
In Conclusion
Watching The Queen's Gambit can teach you a lot about dedication and persistence when playing competitive games like chess and poker. What did you think about the show?