Game guide · DTJSMODEL
Read before your next round of 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. 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.
8×8 board, sixteen pieces per side, basic local computer strategy and same-device play. No promotion, castling or remote multiplayer.
One thing to notice as you play
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The objective of a round
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.
How to proceed
- 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
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.
A closer look at one example
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
Notice this detail
Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move.
Helpful answers for players
What is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, 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. No download or player account is required.
For this game, 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.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. No download or player account is required.
During a round, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
