Game guide · SZXIEZILOU
A practical guide to 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. 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. 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
Check the rule below as you play. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Your objective
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.
Step by step
- 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Work through an 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.
Where a round can go wrong
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Questions about this game
What is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game is played locally in your browser.
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.
During a round, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
How many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, 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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. A new round resets the current game.
