Game guide · SXSS56
The essentials of playing Breakthrough
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Aim for this result
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Work through the instructions
- 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
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.
Put the rules into context
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
Watch out for this
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
If you are unsure
What is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. A new round resets the current game.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, 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. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.