Game guide · WTJPY
Learn the rules of Breakthrough
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. 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.
Build familiarity through play
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
Your goal
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
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.
Your inputs
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.
Work through an example
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
Notice this detail
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move.
Common questions
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, 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.
On this page, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.