Game guide · JXLGGC
Read before your next round of Breakthrough
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. The game area remains available above the explanation. 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.
Something to practise
Check the rule below as you play. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. The game area remains available above the explanation.
What the game asks you to do
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
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.
Input guidance
Read the position before choosing your 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.
A closer look at one 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A common point of confusion
Read the position before choosing your next action. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move.
Common questions
On this page, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, 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.
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. A new round resets the current game.
Is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.
