Game guide · SXLANJU
How to play Breakthrough
Read the position before choosing your 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.
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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Your goal
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 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.
How your actions work
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice.
Put the rules into context
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square.
A useful caution
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Helpful answers for players
When I start, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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. No download or player account is required.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. A new round resets the current game.
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.