Benny Watts is an arrogant, popular, and intelligent chess prodigy and a part of the main cast in the Netflix series, The Queen's Gambit. Initially Beth Harmon's most prominent rival, he then becomes her mentor, close friend and love interest.
It is unknown for how long he had held the title of United States Champion before his loss in the Ohio United States Championship, but Benny has been regarded as the most talented American chess player since Paul Morphy.
Notwithstanding his hubris, Benny is a wise chess player who has studied a variety of chess playing styles across all time controls. He mirrors Harmon's abilities to visualize chess positions in his head, yet Benny does so without the aid of drugs (a detail which inspires Harmon). Overall, as a coach, he imparts on Harmon valuable experience and self-care which she long ignored, allowing her to succeed against Soviet Grandmaster Vasily Borgov.
He carries around a knife for self-defense purposes.
And stated by Beth he has nice hair, thus leading to the beginning of their love interest.
Benny Watts is played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
| Characters |
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| Beth Harmon • Alma Wheatley • Benny Watts • Jolene • Harry Beltik • William Shaibel D.L. Townes • Allston Wheatley • Vasily Borgov • Alice Harmon • Helen Deardorff • Annette Packer • Borgov's wife • Cleo • Christopher • Dave Friedman • Mr. Ganz • Janet • Margaret Johnson • Paul |