Game guide · GSAZJC
Learn the rules of Breakthrough
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
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
Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
The challenge in front of you
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces.
Follow these playing steps
- 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Learn from a sample situation
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.
Where a round can go wrong
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Questions that come up during 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. No download or player account is required.
When I start, 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.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. No download or player account is required.
Can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. No download or player account is required.
For this game, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
What wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. No download or player account is required.