Fred Waitzkin, a sportswriter who dreams his 7-year-old son Josh will grow up to play baseball. One day in the park with his mother, Josh displays more than talent, he has a gift. Sensing his son is a future champion, Fred places Josh under the tutelage of a strict chess teacher. But when Josh suddenly starts to lose, his parents must confront their own motivations, and recognize what Josh prizes more than winning; his family's love.