What is the significance of the title in the book/excerpt "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan?

This is a great question.  Paying attention to the title is a mark of a mature reader. In this case, the title, "Rules of the Game," can be taken in many ways.  For example, Waverly's mother has to learn the rules of American culture. Waverly needs to learn the rules of Chinese and American culture and how they intersect.  On a more banal level, Waverly needs to learn the rule of chess to able to...

This is a great question.  Paying attention to the title is a mark of a mature reader. In this case, the title, "Rules of the Game," can be taken in many ways.  For example, Waverly's mother has to learn the rules of American culture. Waverly needs to learn the rules of Chinese and American culture and how they intersect.  On a more banal level, Waverly needs to learn the rule of chess to able to do well.  Waverly's mother encapsulates all of these elements when she says:

"This American rules," she concluded at last. "Every time people come out from foreign country, must know rules. You not know, judge say, Too bad, go back.

If we take another step, Waverly's mother wants to teach Waverly the art of invisible strength.  If we put this together with learning the rules, Waverly's mother wants her daughter to learn the rules of all systems well and be able to use these rules to succeed and excel in life.  Knowledge is power.  Waverly is an apt pupil. We see this at the end of the story when she has a conflict with her mother.  She is on her bed and contemplating her next move. 

I closed my eyes and pondered my next move.