Game guide · DLGZJX
Learn the rules of Breakthrough
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. 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.
Practice with a purpose
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The challenge in front of you
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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 order of 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
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
An example before you play
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Helpful answers for players
During a round, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
For this game, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
When I start, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. No download or player account is required.
Can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
Is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. No download or player account is required.