Game guide · BJHRWTGDGC
Play Breakthrough with the rules at hand
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
8×8 board, sixteen pieces per side, basic local computer strategy and same-device play. No promotion, castling or remote multiplayer.
Build familiarity through play
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What the game asks you to do
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces.
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
Check the rule below as you play. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A useful example
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Pay attention to this rule
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Answers about the rules and controls
During a round, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. No download or player account is required.
For this game, 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.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, 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.
During a round, 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.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. No download or player account is required.
On this page, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
