Just as viewers are getting used to Beth growing unstoppably as a professional chess player, episode 3 of The Queen’s Gambit brings many changes to the storyline. With the appearance of another child prodigy, Benny Watts, the impression of Beth as a novel, undefeatable chess master is called into question. Benny Watts rivals, or even surpasses, Beth in logical reasoning and is able to see the slightest flaws in chess playing. Beth finally sees that she is not undefeatable and this change in self evaluation should give her the motivation to grow in the following episodes. Next, there is the change in her relationship with Alma. As Beth starts calling Alma “mother”, their relationship has grown somewhat more tight. Beth is able to share chess experiences with Alma, who previously downplayed women’s potential in chess. While it is true that we still don’t know if money is the sole reason Alma supports Beth, going to the chess open together seemingly tightens their bond. Last but not least, there was a spark of romance between Beth and Townes. Townes caresses Beth’s cheek in his room, but gets interrupted by his friend. Arguably, Beth might not really like Townes, as shown by the curt farewell in the last scene, but that brief interaction also marks Beth’s growth.