Game guide · CXCWGS
Breakthrough: a guide for your next round
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. 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 with a purpose
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.
Aim for this result
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
How to use the controls
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
An example before you play
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
Where a round can go wrong
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
Read these answers for extra help
What is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, 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. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. No download or player account is required.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, 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.