Kyla Zhao’s Novel “May The Best Player Win” Challenges Gender Bias in Chess and Beyond

Kyla Zhao, a talented writer and former chess player, has brought her own experiences to life in her new novel, May The Best Player Win. The novel delves into the themes of gender inequality and stereotypes, captivating readers within and beyond the chess community.

Zhao, a 26-year-old Singaporean Stanford graduate who has made Forbes Asia’s 30 under 30 list, has received widespread acclaim for her novel for young readers. Three-time U.S Women’s Chess Champion Carissa Yip called it “a game-changer for readers of all ages,” while others have praised it for its ability to address social challenges and gender bias in the chess world.

The inspiration for May The Best Player Win came from Zhao’s own experiences as a young chess player. She started playing at a young age but eventually stepped away from competitive chess due to the pressure to succeed and the unwelcoming environment for female players. Zhao hopes that her novel will resonate with young readers, especially girls, by showing them that they are not alone in navigating these challenges.

In an effort to make the game more inclusive to girls, Zhao emphasizes the importance of increasing female representation in all aspects of chess, from players to coaches to journalists. She believes that having more female role models in the game can help young girls feel that success in chess is attainable.

Despite initial nerves about how the technical details of the book would be received by the chess community, Zhao has been pleased with the positive response. She remains a chess fan and is currently working on her next book, set to release in 2026.

Zhao has been invited to present her book at the 2024 World Chess Championship, an event she is excited to see in her native country. She believes that chess is becoming more popular and accessible thanks to technology, and she is thrilled to see the game reach a wider audience.

Overall, Kyla Zhao’s novel, May The Best Player Win, is not just a chess novel but a reflection of the challenges faced when pursuing one’s passions. Through her writing, Zhao hopes to inspire young readers to hold on to what brings them joy and excitement, regardless of any doubts or opinions from others.