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Rules of the Game

by Amy Tan

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Student Question

What is the effect on Waverly when Vincent and Winston play chess in "The Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan?

Quick answer:

When Vincent and Winston play chess, Waverly feels excluded due to her younger age. To join them, she cleverly uses "the art of invisible strength" to bribe them with Life Savers. This exclusion and her clever strategy ignite her passion for chess, leading her to become a skilled player. Her brothers' initial interest in chess indirectly sparks her journey to becoming a chess sensation, eventually being compared to Bobby Fischer.

Expert Answers

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A little context is important.  Waverly and her bothers receive presents from a local Baptist church for Christmas.  Winston gets a model, Vincent gets a chess set, and Waverly gets a pack of Life Savers. 

When they get home, the brothers start playing chess, but they exclude Waverly, because she is younger.  So, Waverly has to be cunning.  She uses "the art of invisible strength."  In short, she bribes her brothers to allow her to play. She entices them with Life Savers. The brothers lose interest in chess, but Waverly grows to love it. Here is a quote that shows Waverly's love:

I loved the secrets I found within the sixty-four black and white squares. I carefully drew a handmade chessboard and pinned it to the wall next to my bed, where I would stare for hours at imaginary battles. Soon I no longer lost any games or Life Savers, but I lost my adversaries.

In time, Waverly becomes a sensation.  She is even compared indirectly to Bobby Fischer.  An article even says that she might be the first  female grandmaster.  

It all started with her brothers and their game of chess. So, her brothers indirectly influenced Waverly. 

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