Game guide · ZGHEHE
The essentials of playing Breakthrough
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. 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.
Take a closer look while playing
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Input guidance
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A closer look at one example
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.
A useful caution
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Questions that come up during 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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.
For this game, 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.
For this game, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. The controls work with mouse or touch.
