Game guide · MAUFITZ
River Crossing Puzzle: learn through an example
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
Something to practise
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Cross alone or take someone on the same bank as the farmer. Unsafe crossings are rejected before the state changes.
Your goal
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
How to proceed
- 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.
The controls to know
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Choose Cross alone, Take Wolf, Take Goat or Take Cabbage. Buttons for passengers on the other bank are unavailable. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Follow the example
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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 the goal in mind before your next move.
Pay attention to this rule
A careful first move helps you understand the round. The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Read these answers for extra help
What is the aim of River Crossing Puzzle?
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, 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.
On this page, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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.
When I start, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Can the farmer travel alone?
Yes. Cross alone moves only the farmer and boat to the opposite bank. No download or player account is required.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, can I carry two passengers?
No. The boat holds the farmer and at most one passenger. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, how many crossings are needed?
The shortest solution uses seven crossings, including return trips. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.