As one of the most successful women to ever play the male-dominated game of chess, Nazi Paikidze is used to having her moves watched closely.

Her latest has drawn international attention: Paikidze announced last week that she will boycott February's Women's World Chess Championship in Iran because the players will have to wear hijabs - headscarves that cover their heads.

Paikidze's decision will deprive the tournament of one of the game's brightest stars and biggest draws - the US champion who once told a magazine she would "do everything I can to help more girls get into chess."

The headscarves, required by Iranian law, have been protested as a sign of oppression in the Muslim country. Paikidze's decision is part of a growing resistance - both inside Iran and across the world - to laws requiring hijabs.

"Some consider a hijab part of culture," Paikidze said in an Instagram post announcing her decision. "But, I know that a lot of Iranian women are bravely protesting this forced law daily and risking a lot by doing so. That's why I will NOT wear a hijab and support women's oppression."