Game guide · LSZSX
An introduction to playing 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. 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.
Try a more deliberate round
Read the position before choosing your next action. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
Understand the aim
Take a moment to check the current turn. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The steps to 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.
Getting comfortable with the 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
A common point of confusion
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Common questions
For this game, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, 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. A new round resets the current game.
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 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
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.
Can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
