Despite a struggle to be taken seriously by the boys she persevered, becoming the first-ever Scottish girls’ champion at 17 and Scottish ladies' champion in 1975. “We were a laughing stock in the beginning. Girls just didn't play chess," Mrs Hindle said. "So I thought I’d go home and learn some tricks and traps so I can beat people, especially boys.” Anya Taylor-Joy as chess champ Beth Harmon in The Queen's Gambit. - Credit: Phil Bray/Netflix - Credit: Phil Bray/Netflix Mrs Hindle said she was once playing for Norfolk at an inter-county contest when her opponent joked with his mates that he “wouldn’t need long” before their game.