Game guide · GDXIANGSHUN
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. 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.
Bring this focus to a round
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Step by step
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the 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.
Follow the example
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
One detail worth checking
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Read these answers for extra help
On this page, what is the aim of Breakthrough?
Reach the opposite back row with one of your pieces, or capture all opposing pieces. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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.
For this game, can I move diagonally without capturing?
Yes. A diagonally forward empty square is a legal destination. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, can I capture straight ahead?
No. Captures must be diagonally forward. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, is capturing compulsory?
No. You may choose any legal move. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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.
