Game guide · BDPSFJS
The Breakthrough playbook
Read the position before choosing your next action. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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.
Practice beyond the first move
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.
What the game asks you to do
Check the rule below as you play. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
How to use the controls
The board gives you the information needed for the next 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.
Try this example
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Avoid this misunderstanding
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
Clarifying the way this game works
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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.
