Set during the height of the Cold War, the story centers on the life of American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer, whose unmatched skills on the chessboard make him a national sensation. As a young boy in Brooklyn, Fischer's obsession with chess consumes him, leading to remarkable victories but also isolating him from a normal childhood. His profound genius comes with a toll, straining his relationship with his mother and adding to his growing paranoia. Under the guidance of Father Bill Lombardy, a former World Junior Chess Champion, Fischer climbs the ranks in the competitive world of chess and becomes the United States Chess Champion, putting him on a collision course with Soviet grandmaster Boris Spassky.

The escalating Cold War makes Fischer's upcoming match against Spassky more than just a game; it becomes a symbol of ideological supremacy between the superpowers. As Fischer prepares for the World Chess Championship in 1972 Reykjavik, his mental state deteriorates under intense pressure and media scrutiny. His erratic behavior casts doubt on whether he will even compete or forfeit to his arch-rival. The narrative threads through Fischer's fluctuating commitment to the match, his mistrust of those around him, and the defining moments leading up to his face-off with Spassky, culminating in one of history's most celebrated and tense chess encounters.