Game guide · YOUDIYOU
Read before your next round of Breakthrough
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Practice with a purpose
Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The challenge in front of you
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
How a round unfolds
- 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
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Work through an example
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square.
Watch out for this
Take a moment to check the current turn. Breakthrough pieces are not chess pawns: diagonal moves into empty squares are legal, and there is no initial two-square move. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Common questions
When I start, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, 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.
