Game guide · GZZXY
How to play Breakthrough
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Each player begins with sixteen pieces on the nearest two rows of an 8×8 board. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
8×8 board, sixteen pieces per side, basic local computer strategy and same-device play. No promotion, castling or remote multiplayer.
Bring this focus to a round
Check the rule below as you play. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
Aim for this result
The board gives you the information needed for the 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.
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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Check the rule below as you play. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
See the idea in action
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square.
A common point of confusion
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
More answers before you 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. 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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. A new round resets the current 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. 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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, 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. The game is played locally in your browser.
