The story functions as an extended metaphor, the central characters of Waverly and her mother locked in an interpersonal game of chess, each trying to get what they want from the other. While Waverly’s expertise in the rules of chess grows throughout the story, Waverly’s mother comes to the metaphorical game with more experience and expertise about the rules of life. Even though Waverly ends the story engaged in an imaginary battle with her mother, the fact that Waverly is considering her “next move” (Paragraph 79) means that her mother is already victorious. Her mother’s goal is to ensure her daughter has more opportunities and freedom than she experienced. She achieves this goal seemingly without Waverly’s awareness.

The freedom that Waverly experiences is based on the sacrifices of her mother. She is fed well because her mother makes multiple meals each day, shielding Waverly from the realization that they are poor. The community supports Waverly’s pursuit of chess in large part because of her mother’s marketing. Her mother sits in the park while crowds gather to watch Waverly play, commenting on Waverly’s luck rather than her skill, perhaps to make the idea of a girl winning more palatable to the public.