Game guide · SYNTAXCODER
Understand the basics of Breakthrough
Read the position before choosing your next action. Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game area remains available above the explanation. Each player begins with sixteen pieces on the nearest two rows of an 8×8 board. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
8×8 board, sixteen pieces per side, basic local computer strategy and same-device play. No promotion, castling or remote multiplayer.
Something to practise
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Capture only one square diagonally forward. Straight captures and backward moves are not allowed. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Your objective
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.
The playing sequence
- 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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
An example before you play
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. A blue piece can advance straight into an empty square or diagonally forward into an empty or red-occupied square.
An important reminder
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.
A few questions answered
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.
How do the controls work?
Tap one of your pieces, then a highlighted destination. Select a different piece to change your choice. A new round resets the current game.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Computer or same-device 2 players. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. No download or player account is required.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, what wins the round?
Reaching the opponent’s back row with one piece, or capturing every opposing piece. The game is played locally in your browser.
