Game guide · WFMMGS
Read before your next round of Breakthrough
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.
Practice with a purpose
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
What you are aiming for
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Work through an example
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
Watch out for this
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.
If you are unsure
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.
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.
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 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, 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.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. The instructions above use these same rules.