Sent to an orphanage at age 9, Beth develops an uncanny knack for chess and a growing dependence on the green tranquilizers given to the children.

Suddenly plunged into a confusing new life in suburbia, teenage Beth studies her high-school classmates and hatches a plan to enter a chess tournament.

The trip to Cincinnati launches Beth and her mother into a whirlwind of travel and press coverage; Beth sets her sights on the U.S. open in Las Vegas.

Russian class opens the door to a new social scene; in Mexico City, Beth meets the intimidating Borgov while her mother cozies up with a pen pal.

After training with Benny in New York, Beth heads to Paris for her rematch with Borgov, but a wild night sends her into a self-destructive spiral.

A visit from an old friend forces Beth to reckon with her past and rethink her priorities, just in time for the biggest match of her life.