The Queen's Gambit features one of the most meaningful relationships to Beth Harmon's personal and professional life in the form of adoptive parent Alma Wheatley, but is Alma a bad mother to Beth? Having survived her biological mother's erratic behavior and eventual suicide, Beth doesn't have a true mother figure to turn to until the Wheatleys take her in. Even though Alma is battling demons of her own, including alcoholism, she proves to be a decent role model and parent to Beth in her journey to earning the title of Grandmaster.
The Queen’s Gambit follows the trials and tribulations of chess prodigy Beth Harmon, who first learns about the game from a janitor at her orphanage. Beth quickly becomes enamored with chess and it becomes a source of solace and the one thing she has control over. She also develops an addiction to xanzolam, a sedative given to the orphans. Beth continues to hone her skill and begins to compete professionally after she's adopted. It isn’t until Mr. Wheatley leaves permanently that abandoned and bored housewife Alma begins to take notice of Beth’s extraordinary talents.
Alma is a little unconventional in her parenting techniques, but she's not a bad mother to Beth. Beth wouldn't have gained national and international esteem if it wasn't for Alma. When Mr. Wheatley leaves, along with any income, Beth worries she'll be sent back to the orphanage. Alma suggests they lie, so as to keep Beth at home. When Beth brings back $100 from winning her local chess tournament, Alma recognizes the potential for a new monetary opportunity. She plans and budgets a trip to Cincinnati so Beth can compete in another chess tournament for a $500 prize. Soon after that, Alma accompanies Beth to matches nationwide, covering for her extended absences at school with lies about being ill. Though the cash rewards increase, Alma isn't just in it for the money. She's a built-in manager and therapist. She shows a genuine interest in Beth's chess game strategies and her fellow players. She comes to her games and coaches Beth on the merits of losing and enjoying life outside of chess.
The Queen's Gambit hints that Alma's unwavering support of Beth stems from her own unfulfilled desire to be a professional pianist — and her regrets for having made life decisions that prevented her own happiness. Because of Alma, Beth establishes a reputation Alma couldn't. Life magazine writes a story about her, which makes her somewhat of a local celebrity. She's able to compete more and show off her tenacity during matches. Without Alma, Beth couldn't have visited Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, or Las Vegas. It's unclear whether Beth would've been able to pursue her passion or rise as high or as quickly as she does if she hadn't been adopted out or seen by her adoptive parent as a burgeoning talent. By the time they finally make it to Mexico City, enough people know of Beth that she is a worthy opponent for Russia's Grandmaster Vasily Borgov.
Though she loses to Borgov, Beth knows she can confide her fears and doubts in Alma. That's why she is so distraught when she finds her second mother has died: Alma had risen to become Beth's closest relationship. Alma leaves such an impression on Beth that she buys the Wheatleys' house for herself, as it's an everlasting reminder of her adoptive mother's influence and love. While both women suffer from various addictions, Beth eventually rises above her dependency on pills and goes on to become Grandmaster at The Queen's Gambit's end. This would not have been possible without Alma, who mothered Beth to the best of her ability and set her off in the right direction to chess stardom.