Game guide · BJQBTX
Getting started with Breakthrough
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. Each player begins with sixteen pieces on the nearest two rows of an 8×8 board.
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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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 are aiming for
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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
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.
One way to understand the rules
Check the rule below as you play. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. The game area remains available above the explanation.
One detail worth checking
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
More answers before you play
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. A new round resets the current 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. A new round resets the current game.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, 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.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, 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.
