Game guide · HNSGYQT
How to play Breakthrough
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Something to practise
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
Your goal
Take a moment to check the current turn. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Input guidance
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Put the rules into context
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Avoid this misunderstanding
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Questions about this game
What is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, 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. No download or player account is required.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, 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.
On this page, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. No download or player account is required.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. No download or player account is required.
When I start, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. Use the labelled controls for your next action.