Game guide · CQXINXING
Your guide to Breakthrough
Check the rule below as you play. 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. 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.
A focus for your next round
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The purpose of your moves
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.
Follow these playing steps
- 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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Try this example
Take a moment to check the current turn. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Watch out for this
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.
Common questions
During a round, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, 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 game is played locally in your browser.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, 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.
On this page, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. No download or player account is required.
Can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
