Game guide · 371HOTEL
Play Breakthrough with the rules at hand
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
What you need to achieve
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
From the start of a round
- 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.
How to interact with the game
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A useful 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Check this before moving on
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.
Clarifying the way this game works
On this page, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. No download or player account is required.
During a round, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. A new round resets the current game.
