Game guide · 58BLOG
Breakthrough: how a round works
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
What you need to achieve
Read the position before choosing your 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.
The order of 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.
Using the playing area
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
An example to follow
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Where a round can go wrong
Take a moment to check the current turn. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Questions that come up during play
When I start, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, 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.
