Game guide · HBYDMS
Breakthrough: what to know before playing
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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.
Try a more deliberate round
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
Your goal
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
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.
Your inputs
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
See how the rules apply
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.
A useful caution
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move.
Further help with the game
On this page, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, 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.
