Game guide · JK-TJ
The Breakthrough playbook
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. 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.
Build familiarity through play
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What counts as success
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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.
The controls to know
Read the position before choosing your next action. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Put the rules into context
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Pay attention to this rule
Read the position before choosing your next action. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Common questions
When I start, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, 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. No download or player account is required.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
