Game guide · ITCGT
Rules, controls and help for Breakthrough
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. 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.
Practice beyond the first move
Check the rule below as you play. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. The game area remains available above the explanation.
What the game asks you to do
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. 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.
How to interact with the game
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
One way to understand the rules
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.
An important reminder
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.