An interview with Mathical Author Kyla Zhao
By Johanna Cinquegrana
Middle School Mathematics Teacher at New Explorations into Science, Technology + Math (Manhattan, NY) & Mathical Committee member
Johanna Cinquegrana: My family loves chess — I have a 10 year old and a 7 year old, and we entered the chess world when my older son was in kindergarten and we all got to listen in on his introductory chess lessons over Zoom. My husband and I have been learning and growing alongside them as neither of us really played when we were younger. They’ve started attending national chess tournaments and we all find it all very fun and exciting. We had hoped to meet author Kyla Zhao in person at a recent NYC book signing, but it didn’t work out – but I got to share my questions below with Kyla for the Mathical website.
Author Kyla Zhao with her book
When did you start playing chess?
Kyla Zhao: My grandpa taught me the basics when I was six, and I was instantly hooked. I would make him play with me for hours until I finally won a game. Soon after, I started playing in tournaments, and I did competitive chess throughout my elementary and middle school years. I was even selected for my country’s national junior squad!
What did you enjoy most about writing May the Best Player Win?
Kyla: It felt like going on a time-traveling adventure back to my own chess-playing days. It was so much fun revisiting that world and really digging into the rollercoaster of emotions young players experience. But honestly, the best part was reconnecting with that love I felt for chess when I was younger, before all the pressure and expectations started to creep in.
What are some ways to make chess fun for new learners?
Kyla: Buddy up: Learning with a friend or family member is more fun—you get to share the experience and learn from each other. Joining a chess club is even better–you’ll meet other players and build a community.
Tech can help: There are tons of amazing online resources and apps that make learning chess interactive and fun. For example, Chess.com offers lessons, puzzles, and even lets you play against people from all over the world.
Small wins matter: Did you finally figure out how to checkmate? Awesome! Did you manage to capture a queen? High five! Celebrating progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and builds confidence.
One thing that resonated with me about your character May was her struggle to maintain her love of chess. I teach middle school, and the rate of students quitting competitive chess seems to rise significantly once students hit middle school. What would you say to someone struggling with similar feelings/losing their love for chess?
Kyla: I so get that. Middle school is a pressure cooker! Suddenly, everything feels so serious, and the fun can get lost. May the Best Player Win is set in the world of chess, but the story will speak to anyone who has lost their passion for an activity or struggled to balance it with external pressure. Here’s what I’d say:
Recall the spark: Try to remember what made you fall in love with chess in the first place. Was it the thrill of a good move? The challenge of outsmarting your opponent? The satisfaction of solving a puzzle? Reconnect with that initial spark.
Take a break: If the pressure is too much, it’s okay to step back from competitive chess. You can still play casually, online, or with friends. Sometimes a break is exactly what you need to rediscover your passion.
Find your tribe: Talk to someone you trust – a friend, family member, or coach. It helps to share what you’re going through. And remember, you’re not the only one feeling this way. Lots of young players struggle with the same things.
Look beyond winning: Chess is about so much more than tournaments and trophies. It teaches you valuable skills, such as problem-solving, strategic thinking. And most importantly, it can be a source of joy and personal growth. So, focus on the fun, the challenge, and the love of the game. That’s what truly matters.
Ultimately, I hope May the Best Player Win reminds readers that failure isn’t the opposite of success, but a part of success.
About May the Best Player Win
Described as a family-friendly take on novel and recent television series The Queen’s Gambit, May the Best Player Win explores gender stereotypes and the pressure to succeed through the eyes of a chess prodigy, who makes a high-stakes bet with her biggest rival that girls can be as good as boys at the game. Carissa Yip, the current US Women’s Chess Champion, called the book “a game-changer for readers of all ages, regardless of whether you play chess! This book will have you inspired to conquer your next match in life.”
In addition to accolades from the literary world, author Kyla Zhao has been invited to present her novel at the World Chess Championship 2024 and International Chess Olympiad 2024. It is available as a print book, audiobook, and eBook on NCTE’s Bookshop.org site and other retailers.
About the Author: Kyla Zhao
The author Kyla Zhao competed in scholastic tournaments for many years and was selected for her country’s national junior squad. Her books have been featured by CBS, NBC, Good Morning America, Vogue, Buzzfeed, and more. Kyla has also been selected as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Tatler Leader of Tomorrow, and awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the California State Assembly. She now works at a tech company in Silicon Valley after graduating from Stanford University in 2021. More details at https://kylazhao.com.