Board and setup
An 8×8 board; each side starts with sixteen identical pieces on its nearest two ranks.
Abstract strategy / BREAKTHROUGH
Breakthrough
Escort any pawn across the 8×8 board and reach the far rank first.
Every move goes forward: escort one piece through the opposing line to win.
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BREAKTHROUGHABOUT THE GAME
About the game
Dan Troyka designed Breakthrough in 2000, and it won the 2001 8×8 Game Design Competition. A single piece type turns forward movement into a complete contest.
No piece can retreat, so every move is irreversible. The aim is to escort one piece through the opposing line rather than merely collect captures.
Reference：playabstractgames.com ↗
Rules
Breakthrough — How to play
Youzai Board Game Club — The server implementation governs play here; tournament and other site rules may differ.
Making a move
Move one square forward. Move straight only into an empty square; move diagonally forward into an empty square or capture an enemy there. Never move sideways or backward.
Winning and draws
Reach the opponent’s home rank with any piece to win immediately. Eliminating or immobilising the opponent also wins.
Rules on this site
This site has no initial double step, promotion, or en passant. Reaching the far rank ends the game immediately.
Helpful examples
- A diagonal move may enter an empty square or capture an enemy there. A blocked piece cannot move straight ahead.
- Only one piece needs to reach the far rank, so protecting the leading runner often matters more than collecting another capture.
- Pieces cannot retreat. Before advancing, check both forward diagonals for an enemy capture.
Complete beginner guide
From setup to the end of the game
Read these steps in order to complete your first game. This guide combines public rules with this site’s server implementation; where versions differ, this site’s ruling applies.
Goal and setup
Each side has sixteen pieces on its nearest two ranks of an 8×8 board. Reach the far rank with any one piece to win.
Straight advance
Move one square per turn. A piece may advance straight only when the square is empty and can never jump.
Diagonal advance
Move one square diagonally forward into an empty square or capture an enemy occupying it. A friendly piece blocks the square.
Captures
Capturing is optional. Pieces cannot move sideways, backward, or capture straight ahead.
Winning
Reaching the far rank wins immediately. Eliminating or immobilising every enemy piece also wins.
Beginner strategy
Build diagonal chains that protect one another, count the remaining steps to the goal, and create two runners at once.
General rules reference：playabstractgames.com ↗