Game guide · SZWSXS
Learn the rules of River Crossing Puzzle
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Everyone starts on the near bank. The farmer rows and can take at most one passenger. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The classic single wolf–goat–cabbage puzzle, with one-passenger boat and seven-crossing optimal solution. No claim of a large level collection.
Practice with a purpose
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Cross alone or take someone on the same bank as the farmer. Unsafe crossings are rejected before the state changes.
Your goal
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Getting comfortable with the 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Put the rules into context
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Keep this in mind
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Read these answers for extra help
When I start, what is the aim of River Crossing Puzzle?
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. A new round resets the current game.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Which mistake should I avoid?
The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, can the farmer travel alone?
Yes. Cross alone moves only the farmer and boat to the opposite bank. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, why was my crossing refused?
It would leave the wolf with the goat or the goat with the cabbage without the farmer. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, can I carry two passengers?
No. The boat holds the farmer and at most one passenger. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, how many crossings are needed?
The shortest solution uses seven crossings, including return trips. The controls work with mouse or touch.
