Judit Polgar Reflects On Queen Of Chess Success, Kasparov, In Chess.com Interview

GM Judit Polgar has been enjoying some major moments in the spotlight in recent weeks, with the success of Netflix's documentary Queen of Chess. In a fresh interview with Chess.com, the Hungarian chess legend shared her thoughts about the response to the movie. 

Queen of Chess, which traces Polgar’s extraordinary rise from child prodigy to the strongest female player in history, premiered on February 6. Within its first week, it reached Netflix’s global Top 10 and ranked among the five most popular "movies" in 18 countries.

Last week, Chess.com's FM Mike Klein interviewed the legend about the success of the film. You can watch the entire interview below.

On the documentary's release and the public reaction:

My phone was blowing up. I got non-stop messages. It's a great feeling.

My phone was blowing up. I got non-stop messages. It's a great feeling.
—Judit Polgar

Despite the film’s rapid climb up the Netflix charts, Polgar said she is trying to stay grounded:

From the beginning, it was already something very special and unique that there is a film about my story and my family… And now I am looking at the charts and checking where it stands. It’s just a lot of fun, and of course pride. I’m going with the flow, and I’m enjoying it.

On attending the Sundance Film Festival premiere on January 27 with her husband, daughter, and the director Rory Kennedy:

That was quite amazing because I was at the theater with 1,200 people… After the movie, I was invited up on stage to standing ovations. It was something very special that non-chess players were very happy and inspired by my story.

The curiosity of the audience stood out, Polgar said:

I was happy that people were curious, interested, asking all kinds of questions regarding Fischer, my education, and who is going to be the next girl or woman to follow in my footsteps.

On Garry Kasparov's role in the documentary, and how he was portrayed:

I was not really expecting anything concrete out of the documentary, because when you have expectations, you can really fall big. I was very curious how he would react after so many years. It happened in 1994, so 30 years ago.

Polgar also acknowledged Kasparov’s evolving perspective:

Back in 1988, he gave his first interview saying he doesn't see women fighting in a man's world, because it's too harsh. I think he made a big growth in his mindset. And he did appreciate and acknowledge my achievements.

I think he made a big growth in his mindset. And he did appreciate and acknowledge my achievements.
—Judit Polgar

Asked who she would choose to portray her in a potential Hollywood film, Polgar didn't want to speculate:

I don’t go so much ahead. One of the keys of my success was that I had big goals—to beat Kasparov, to be in the top 10, possibly to become world champion—but it was a long distance. I always knew my direction.

She added with a smile:

Can you imagine if I said Anya Taylor-Joy, and then it doesn’t happen? You’d be disappointed. So I just go with the flow and we’ll see.

On her mission as a chess ambassador:

I'm very much involved in how chess is great for education and for the next generation, and in general for everyone. Chess is a game where you can learn a lot. 

So I wish that chess becomes part of everyday school material, in a fun and an educational way. I believe that games generally build kids a lot. So I'm working in that direction.

The Hungarian chess legend also offered her thoughts on her Judit against The World game on Chess.com, which is currently on move eight.

This game is about getting together. Chess connects us… We can enjoy it in many different ways—live events, online events, playing with friends—but this is something to show that, okay, let’s get together online.

She added that the format is a new kind of challenge, but one she is enjoying. "Of course it’s challenging for me because every two days I have to make a move. I have to take my phone," she said with a laugh. “But mainly for me it’s about spreading the power of chess and connecting to each other."

Did you watch Queen of Chess on Netflix? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!