Beth Harmon is a quiet, sullen, and seemingly unremarkable eight-year-old girl who is sent to an orphanage after the death of her mother. She is deprived of love and emotional support. Her social circle consists of another orphan and a caretaker, who teaches Beth to play chess, which gradually becomes her purpose in life. As she grows older, the young genius begins to abuse tranquilizers and alcohol, escaping reality. Only during a game of chess does her thoughts clear and she regains control. At sixteen, Beth competes in the US Open Chess Championship. But as she strives to hone her skills at a professional level, the stakes mount, her isolation becomes terrifying, and the desire to escape reality becomes more tempting. And then comes the moment when she must face the world's best player. Will she be able to prevail or will she fall victim to her addictions, as she has in the past?