Is Waverly a dynamic or static character in "Rules of the Game"?

In “Rules of the Game,” Waverly Jong is a dynamic character: one who changes over the course of the story. Amy Tan explores the girl’s growth in relationship to her mother and to her own sense of self. Waverly initially is pleased to discover a game that brings her joy and requires a particular kind of intellectual analysis, something she had not previously realized she possessed. The progressive self-awareness that the author presents includes Waverly’s understanding that excelling at something is not always enough to make it worth continuing, as well as the necessity of prioritizing one’s activities.

Although the story is about the girl’s engagement with chess, it is also about her changing relationship with her mother. Part of the reason for Waverly’s changing is that she understands her mother is unlikely or unable to do so. Waverly had understood that her mother had a strong personality and that she had her daughter’s best interests at heart. Previously, the young girl had accepted her mother’s judgments in her choice of activities and understood that the pressure she exerted demonstrated confidence in her daughter’s ability to succeed, as well as her acceptance of American ideals of self-perfection. Waverly’s insights into her own capabilities and desires—the "invisible strength" she possesses—grow along with her perceptions about her mother’s virtues and flaws.

Who is Waverly in "Rules of the Game"?

Waverly Place Jong is a Chinese American chess prodigy and the narrator and protagonist of the story "Rules of the Game." Waverly grows up in San Francisco's Chinatown with her immigrant parents and becomes interested in chess after her brother receives a used chess set for Christmas from the local church. Once her brothers allow her to play a few games, Waverly becomes enamored with the idea of unlocking all of the game's secrets.

Waverly learns how to play from her mentor, Lau Po, and develops into a prodigy. She goes on to win several chess tournaments and is recognized and celebrated as a local chess champion. She eventually achieves national fame and appears on the cover of Time magazine. Despite her success, Waverly struggles to assert her independence from her domineering mother. Waverly's mother is a dominant force in her life and expects her to honor traditional values rather than enjoy individual achievements.

Eventually, Waverly gets into a serious argument with her mother when she expresses her frustration and embarrassment at her mother's behavior. Waverly's mother is offended by her comments and refuses to acknowledge her that evening. As she lies on her bed, Waverly imagines using the art of "invisible strength," which her mother taught her, to defeat her mother and gain independence.

How does Waverly's mindset influence the match outcome in "Rules of the Game"?

At the beginning of the story, Waverly's mother teaches her the art of invisible strength, which is an effective way to silently manipulate others in order to attain something one desires. Waverly's mother tells her:

Wise guy, he not go against wind. In Chinese we say, Come from South, blow with wind-poom! North will follow. Strongest wind cannot be seen. (Tan 1)

Later in the story, Waverly begins playing chess on a regular basis and develops into a prodigy. During her first chess tournament, Waverly uses her mother's strategy regarding the art of invisible strength as she quietly moves her pieces before attacking her unsuspecting opponent. As Waverly is playing, she imagines and anticipates the next move. Waverly mentions:

As I began to play, the boy disappeared, the color ran out of the room, and I saw only my white pieces and his black ones waiting on the other side. A light wind began blowing past my ears. It whispered secrets only I could hear. "Blow from the South," it murmured. "The wind leaves no trail." I saw a clear path, the traps to avoid. (Tan 4)

Waverly's mindset while playing chess is one of focus, strategy, and manipulation. Waverly willingly sacrifices certain pieces and distracts her opponent while secretly plotting her attack. When her opponent least expects it, Waverly strikes and wins the match. Using the art of invisible strength, Waverly makes calculating moves to distract and defeat her opponent.