How to Play Breakthrough
Breakthrough is a modern abstract game (2000) that plays like chess with nothing but pawns. It is quick to learn and surprisingly sharp.
The rules
- Each side has sixteen pieces on its two nearest rows of an 8 × 8 board. White moves first.
- A piece moves one square forward: straight ahead, or diagonally forward.
- It may move straight only onto an empty square. It may move diagonally onto an empty square or onto an enemy piece, which is captured.
- Pieces never move backwards or sideways, and capturing is never compulsory.
- Win by moving any piece onto the far row, or by capturing every enemy piece. The game can't be drawn.
On kawu
- Tap a piece, then a highlighted square. Red rings mark captures.
- Three computer levels, two players on one device, or online with a room link.
Frequently asked questions
Can a piece capture straight ahead in Breakthrough?
No. A piece moves straight ahead only onto an empty square. Captures are diagonal, like a chess pawn, but a piece may also move diagonally without capturing.
Is capturing compulsory?
No. You may ignore a capture, and you never have to move a particular piece.
Last updated 2026-10-20