Game guide · CQMELISSA
Breakthrough: a guide for your next round
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. 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.
Take a closer look while playing
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
Understand the aim
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Work through the instructions
- 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Put the rules into context
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Watch out for this
Check the rule below as you play. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Read these answers for extra help
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.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. The game is played locally in your browser.
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.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. 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.
When I start, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, 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.