Game guide · 05MC
Play Breakthrough with the rules at hand
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Give this approach a try
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The purpose of your moves
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The steps to play
- 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
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Put the rules into context
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Pay attention to this rule
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Answers about the rules and controls
What is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. You can start a new round from the game controls.
How do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, 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.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
