Game guide · TYMJWATER
Getting started with Breakthrough
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. 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.
Bring this focus to a 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.
Understand the aim
Check the rule below as you play. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Step by step
- 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.
The controls to know
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Follow the example
A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square.
Check this before moving on
Take a moment to check the current turn. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Helpful answers for players
For this game, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, 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 game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
How many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.