Game guide · SXSMQZJ
Breakthrough: what to know before playing
Take a moment to check the current turn. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game area remains available above the explanation. Each player begins with sixteen pieces on the nearest two rows of an 8×8 board. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
8×8 board, sixteen pieces per side, basic local computer strategy and same-device play. No promotion, castling or remote multiplayer.
A focus for your next round
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Your objective
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The steps to play
- Each player begins with sixteen pieces on the nearest two rows of an 8×8 board.
- Blue moves upward and red downward. Move one square straight or diagonally forward into an empty square.
- Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
- Reach the farthest row with any piece, or remove all opposing pieces, to win. Captures are optional.
- Choose a computer opponent or two players on the same device. New round resets the board.
Your inputs
Take a moment to check the current turn. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice.
See the idea in action
Read the position before choosing your next action. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Notice this detail
Read the position before choosing your next action. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move.
Clarifying the way this game works
When I start, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. You can start a new round from the game controls.
How do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. No download or player account is required.
During a round, can you show an example?
A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, which mistake should I avoid?
Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, what rules and limits are used here?
8×8 board, sixteen pieces per side, basic local computer strategy and same-device play. No promotion, castling or remote multiplayer. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. No download or player account is required.
During a round, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. A new round resets the current game.
What wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. You can start a new round from the game controls.
