Game guide · LYSZJX
Learn your way around Breakthrough
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Try a more deliberate round
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
What you need to achieve
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.
The playing sequence
- 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.
Controls
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
See how the rules apply
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square.
A common point of confusion
Check the rule below as you play. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Questions about this game
During a round, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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.
For this game, 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.
On this page, 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. No download or player account is required.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
How many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The controls work with mouse or touch.
What wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. A new round resets the current game.