Game guide · ZZQHMY
Rules, controls and help for Breakthrough
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. 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.
Something to practise
Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. The game area remains available above the explanation.
What the game asks you to do
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.
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.
How to use the controls
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
A useful example
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 mistake to avoid
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Questions about this 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. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. A new round resets the current game.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, 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.
