Game guide · 10000ZW
Rules, controls and help for Breakthrough
Read the position before choosing your 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.
One thing to notice as you play
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.
The challenge in front of you
Read the position before choosing your next action. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces.
Making your moves
- 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.
Using the playing area
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Try this example
Read the position before choosing your next action. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square.
Keep this in mind
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.
Read these answers for extra help
For this game, 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.
How do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.
When I start, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. The instructions above use these same rules.
