Game guide · KP028
The Breakthrough playbook
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. 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. 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.
A focus for your next round
Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. The game area remains available above the explanation.
What you are aiming for
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.
How to proceed
- 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice.
Put the rules into context
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A useful caution
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
Answers about the rules and controls
During a round, 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.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the 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.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, 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.