Game guide · SJZWEISHEN
Learn your way around Breakthrough
Check the rule below as you play. 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. Each player begins with sixteen pieces on the nearest two rows of an 8×8 board. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
8×8 board, sixteen pieces per side, basic local computer strategy and same-device play. No promotion, castling or remote multiplayer.
Take a closer look while playing
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What the game asks you to do
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 a new round when you are ready to try again.
The playing sequence
- 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
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Put the rules into context
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Check this before moving on
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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.
Helpful answers for players
On this page, 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.
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. 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. 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. No download or player account is required.
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. 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. No download or player account is required.
During a round, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
