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

Waverly's mother is a first-generation Chinese immigrant who has struggled to make a living in the United States and has mastered the "art of invisible strength" in order to survive in the competitive, foreign nation. After Waverly's brother receives a used chess set as a Christmas gift from the local church, his siblings immediately begin playing chess when they get home. When Vincent attempts to read the rules of the game, Waverly's mother grabs the rule book, briefly scans the pages, and says,

This American rules. . . . Every time people come out from foreign country, must know rules. You not know, judge say, Too bad, go back. They not telling you why so you can use their way go forward. They say, Don't know why, you find out yourself. But they knowing all the time. Better you take it, find out why yourself (Tan 3).

Mrs. Jong's initial comments regarding "American rules" reveal her disgruntled feelings regarding the confusing laws and competitive nature of American culture from an immigrant's perspective.
As the story continues, Waverly becomes fascinated with chess and develops into a talented chess player. After her mother witnesses her win in front of a large outdoor crowd, Mrs. Jong agrees to let her daughter play in a local tournament using "American rules." Waverly is eventually recognized as a chess prodigy, and her mother stops making her do chores around the home. When Vincent questions his mother's reasoning, she says,

Is new American rules . . . Meimei play, squeeze all her brains out for win chess. You play, worth squeeze towel (Tan 4).

Essentially, Mrs. Jong is willing to adopt new "American rules" because she feels that her daughter can succeed in the United States, which is dramatically different from her initial experience when she first arrived in America. As a first-generation immigrant, Mrs. Jong struggled to comprehend and play by "American rules," but she discovers that her daughter can succeed by following them, which is why she is willing to adopt a new set of rules and beliefs.