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Rules of the Game discussion Questions

1. What are some "American rules" that Waverly's family adopts?

2. What are some "Chinese rules" that Waverly's family holds on to?

3. Why is Mrs. Jong willing to adopt new American rules so that Waverly can become a chess champion?

4. Why is Waverly drawn to the "elaborate secrets" of chess?

5. Why does the invisible strength that Waverly learns from her mother help her at chess?

6. Why is Waverly so eager to learn to play chess that she is willing to give away all her Life Savers?

7. Why does Waverly call chess "a game of secrets in which one must show and never tell"? Why does she love the secrets?

8. Why does Waverly's chess game involve acting as well as skill? Why does she act like an impatient child and pretend to be undecided while playing?

9. How does learning the rules of chess teach Waverly the rules of life?