Game guide · MGRENCAI
The Breakthrough playbook
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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.
A focus for your next round
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed.
The objective of a round
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The steps to 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.
Your inputs
Check the rule below as you play. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice.
See how the rules apply
Check the rule below as you play. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square.
An important reminder
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Common questions
During a round, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. No download or player account is required.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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. No download or player account is required.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
How many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
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.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, 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.
