Game guide · 69ZUOWEN
River Crossing Puzzle: rules and examples
Take a moment to check the current turn. Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. Everyone starts on the near bank. The farmer rows and can take at most one passenger. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The classic single wolf–goat–cabbage puzzle, with one-passenger boat and seven-crossing optimal solution. No claim of a large level collection.
A small practice goal
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Cross alone or take someone on the same bank as the farmer. Unsafe crossings are rejected before the state changes. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The purpose of your moves
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The steps to play
- Everyone starts on the near bank. The farmer rows and can take at most one passenger.
- The wolf cannot stay with the goat without the farmer. The goat cannot stay with the cabbage without the farmer.
- Cross alone or take someone on the same bank as the farmer. Unsafe crossings are rejected before the state changes.
- Bring all four across. Use Undo or Restart to explore another sequence.
Controls
Read the position before choosing your next action. Choose Cross alone, Take Wolf, Take Goat or Take Cabbage. Buttons for passengers on the other bank are unavailable. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Follow the example
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Taking the goat first leaves the wolf with the cabbage, which is safe. Taking the wolf first would leave the goat with the cabbage and is refused. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A common point of confusion
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A few questions answered
For this game, what is the aim of River Crossing Puzzle?
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. No download or player account is required.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Choose Cross alone, Take Wolf, Take Goat or Take Cabbage. Buttons for passengers on the other bank are unavailable. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, can you show an example?
Taking the goat first leaves the wolf with the cabbage, which is safe. Taking the wolf first would leave the goat with the cabbage and is refused. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, which mistake should I avoid?
The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, what rules and limits are used here?
The classic single wolf–goat–cabbage puzzle, with one-passenger boat and seven-crossing optimal solution. No claim of a large level collection. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
When I start, can the farmer travel alone?
Yes. Cross alone moves only the farmer and boat to the opposite bank. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, why was my crossing refused?
It would leave the wolf with the goat or the goat with the cabbage without the farmer. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
Can I carry two passengers?
No. The boat holds the farmer and at most one passenger. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, how many crossings are needed?
The shortest solution uses seven crossings, including return trips. The game is played locally in your browser.