Game guide · PYZSB
Breakthrough: learn through an example
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Practice with a purpose
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The objective of a round
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
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.
Using the playing area
The board gives you the information needed for the next 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 before you play
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Where a round can go wrong
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
More answers before you play
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
Is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. No download or player account is required.
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.