Game guide · RJCWPX
Rules, controls and help for Breakthrough
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. 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.
A focus for your next round
Read the position before choosing your next action. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The objective of a round
Check the rule below as you play. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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.
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Try this example
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Pay attention to this rule
The board gives you the information needed for the next 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.
Game-specific help
What is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. No download or player account is required.
For this game, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, 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.