Game guide · HNSZDS
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. 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 beyond the first move
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Your goal
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
Controls
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Put the rules into context
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Pay attention to this rule
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Further help with the game
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.
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 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, 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.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. The game is played locally in your browser.